Enhancement of field emission characteristics of tungsten emitters by single-walled carbon nanotube modification

We present a simple method for improving the field emission performance of tungsten-tip electron sources based on single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) modification. By coating a sandwich-like thin film of Al–Fe–Al (with Fe as a catalyst) on a tungsten tip, SWCNTs were synthesized at 600 °C in a che...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied physics letters 2006-01, Vol.88 (3)
Main Authors: Ferrer, D., Tanii, T., Matsuya, I., Zhong, G., Okamoto, S., Kawarada, H., Shinada, T., Ohdomari, I.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:We present a simple method for improving the field emission performance of tungsten-tip electron sources based on single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) modification. By coating a sandwich-like thin film of Al–Fe–Al (with Fe as a catalyst) on a tungsten tip, SWCNTs were synthesized at 600 °C in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor. The influence of CNT modification on the electron emission characteristics of the emitters was investigated by means of a triode structure. We have found that CNT-modified tungsten tips exhibit low threshold-voltage for electron emission, and improved emission-current stability, compared with nonmodified and Al–Fe–Al-coated needles.
ISSN:0003-6951
1077-3118
DOI:10.1063/1.2165205