Large current density from carbon nanotube field emitters

Achieving high-current carbon nanotube emitters.

When a carbon nanotube emitter is operated at high currents (typically above 1 microA per emitter), a small voltage drop ( approximately few volts) along its length or at its contact generates a reverse/canceling electric field that causes a saturation-like deviation from the classical Fowler-Nordheim behavior with respect to the applied electric field. We present a correction to the Fowler-Nor...

Carbon Nanotube and Related Field Emitters

Field Emission from Lateral Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Yarn Emitters

A field emission from a lateral emitter made by a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) yarn was investigated. The lateral emitter showed an excellent field emission performance with a low turn-on electric field of 1.13 V/μm at an emission current of 1 μA, high emission current of 0.2 mA at an applied voltage of 700 V, and longtime emission stability for over 20 h without any significant current ...

Carbon nanotube ield emitters

Application of various one-dimensional nanostructure materials as field emission sources has attracted extensive scientific efforts. Elongated structures are suitable for achieving high field-emission-current density at a low electric field because of their high aspect ratio. Area of its application includes a wide range of field-emission-based devices such as flat-panel displays, electron micr...

Theory of Carbon Nanotube (CNT)-Based Electron Field Emitters

Theoretical problems arising in connection with development and operation of electron field emitters on the basis of carbon nanotubes are reviewed. The physical aspects of electron field emission that underlie the unique emission properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered. Physical effects and phenomena affecting the emission characteristics of CNT cathodes are analyzed. Effects given...