Field emission properties of nano-tendril bundles formed via helium plasma exposure with various additional impurity gases

Abstract Nano-tendril bundles (NTBs) were formed on tungsten via helium (He) plasma exposure with various additional impurity gases, such as neon (Ne), nitrogen (N 2 ), and argon (Ar). The sizes of the NTBs showed different distributions gases. field emission property gases was measured. field-emission significantly affected by morphology NTBs, especially tips fibers. In Ne- Ar-seeded cases, sharp tips, onset electric for ∼1 kV mm −1 all NTB samples. Ne-seeded samples most rapid increase in current. N -seeded case, two types formed. when ratio gas 2.1%. With an to 3.0% or higher, fibers became thicker rounder. Fowler–Nordheim (F-N) plot analysis, enhancement factors approximately 6000–7000 without significant differences, tips. round totally property, current only several μ A, which is one-tenth that other This suggests local geometrical shape not general size main factor determining NTBs.