Design of CNT-based electron microbeam cell irradiation system for low-dose radiobiology research

Radiation research primarily aims to improve radiation therapy and the use of radiation on soft materials. There are many reports available on the effects of high-dose radiation on cells, but the effects of low-dose radiation still require much scientific evidence. Therefore, we intend to study the effects of low-dose irradiation on cell internal structures by cold cathode field emission carbon nanotube (CNT)-based cell irradiator. Hence, we designed a CNT-based microbeam system to irradiate cells. CNT emitter was fabricated by synthesizing CNTs on a point-shaped substrate. The growth of CNTs was confirmed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The aging process was carried out to improve the performance of the CNT emitter and the I-V characteristic was measured. We also conducted the simulation study to confirm the electric field change and the electron beam trajectory.