Nanospot Welder and Method

Abstract

A method and apparatus for assembly of small structures is disclosed. The present invention discloses electron beams created from one or more nanotips in an array operated in a field emission mode that can be controlled to apply heat to very well defined spots. The multiple electron beams may be generated and deflected and applied to electron beam heating and welding applications.

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         6 . An apparatus comprising:
 a work piece;   a printed circuit board supporting a plurality of electron beam sources; and   circuitry for activating the plurality of electron beam sources to each emit an electron beam with sufficient energy to create a plurality of weld joints on the work piece positioned a distance from the printed circuit board.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the electron beam source is a scanning probe microscope. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the electron beam source is an AFM microtip probe. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the election beam source is a STM microtip probe. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the electron beam source is a hopping electron cathode. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the work piece is movable relative to the printed circuit board. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of electron beam sources are activated in parallel. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of electron beam sources are arranged in an array on the printed circuit board. 
     
     
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