In this paper, we propose a method for optimizing the design and composition of the anode membrane with a transmission-type target as part of a system of soft X-ray sources based on field-emission triodes for performing tasks in the field of X-ray nanolithography. It allows to prevent the degradation of the operating characteristics of the system when significant electrostatic deformation of the anode occurs under the influence of a control electric field in the inter-electrode space of the triodes. For this purpose, the inclusion of an additional control electrode in the system design is considered, which makes it possible to compensate for the deformation of the anode membrane to an acceptable level and thereby stabilize the operation of X-ray sources. A numerical model of the electrostatic deflection of the anode assembly in a modified design is developed, based on which the optimal composition and geometric parameters of the anode membrane with a compensating electrode are determined. In particular, the optimal distance between the anode membrane in the initial (undeformed) state and the compensating electrode was found (equal to 5 μm), at which a minimum voltage difference (about 1.15 kV) should be applied to these electrodes to prevent critical deflection of the membrane (0.72 μm with a membrane radius of 750 µm). It is also shown that, due to their extremely high hardness (>80 GPa), diamond-like films are the most promising material for the anode electrode. The results obtained can also be useful for the development of miniature X-ray generation devices for various applications.

The technological prospects for the creation of a system of microfocus X-ray tubes with the use of silicon field emission of nanocathodes have been discussed. A numerical analysis of the field-emission current from a nanoscale semiconductor cathode regulated by voltage on a grid electrode has been carried out on the basis of which a scheme for controlling the elements of the matrix of field-emission cathode assemblies has been proposed. The current–voltage characteristics of silicon field emission nanocathodes have been measured. They are in good agreement with the theoretical estimates of the field-emission current. A full technological cycle of the development of elements of microfocus X-ray tubes (a set of field-emission cathode assemblies and a set of anode assemblies) has been performed. The results can be used to create systems of microfocus X-ray tubes for nanolithographic equipment of a new generation.