Improving the emission characteristics of a carbon nanotube cathode in an aging process

Ultramicroscopy. 2007 Sep;107(9):833-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2007.02.015. Epub 2007 Feb 25.

Abstract

Aging of the field emission performance of the printed carbon nanotubes (CNTs) cathode is studied. A continuous increase of the field emission current as well as the density of field emission sites under a constant voltage is observed. It is revealed that the resistant heating may play an important role in the activation of the potential emitters during the aging process. A technique of activating the printed CNT cathode with an aging process is suggested. F-N curves before and after the aging processes are analyzed and it is revealed that the effective emission area increases during the aging process.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't