Influence of Taylor cone size on droplet generation in an indium liquid metal ion source

Depending on the emission current, a liquid metalion source (LMIS) produces microdroplets in addition to ions. It is demonstrated that this ratio is directly influenced by the geometry of the Taylor cone. Using analytical models and experiments, we can show that the droplet production rate is directly proportional to the Taylor cone base radius for low impedance emitters. This relationship is of particular importance to optimize emitters for either low or high droplet emission at various emission currents.