Title: Field emission measurement techniques for the optimisation of carbon nanotube cathodes

Authors: D. Lysenkov, G. Muller

Addresses: FB C Physik, Bergische Universitat Wuppertal, Gauss Str. 20, 42097 D Wuppertal, Germany. ' FB C Physik, Bergische Universitat Wuppertal, Gauss Str. 20, 42097 D Wuppertal, Germany

Abstract: We have developed advanced measurement techniques for the investigation of the field emission (FE) properties of high-technology materials. Flat samples up to 30 mm in diameter can be optimised either for strong or weak electron emission, i.e., cold FE cathodes operating at field levels below 10 V/μm or high-voltage vacuum devices preventing FE up to 200 V/μm. The integral measurement system with luminescent screen (IMLS) provides a quick overview of the microscopic distribution and long- and short-term stability of the emission current, and facilitates a controlled conditioning of cold cathode samples at various pressures. The field emission scanning microscope (FESM) is incorporated within a UHV surface analysis system and enables high-resolution emitter distributions and local FE investigations down to the nanoscale. Exemplary results on carbon nanotube samples will be given to demonstrate that the combination of both instruments yields a very effective means for an improved understanding and tailoring of materials for cold cathode applications.

Keywords: field emission; luminescent screen imaging; scanning microscopes; carbon nanotubes; cathodes.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNT.2005.008062

International Journal of Nanotechnology, 2005 Vol.2 No.3, pp.239 - 254

Published online: 11 Nov 2005 *

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