Field emission from diamond coated molybdenum field emitters

Abstract

Diamond deposition onto single Mo field emitters was accomplished by two methods: microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition and a dielectrophoresis of diamond powder. Observation by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed a significant amount of deposition at the tips. The field emission characteristics were measured before and after diamond deposition on the same emitters. Field emission from diamond coated emitters yielded significant increases in emission current and lower Fowler–Nordheim slopes. We discuss a possible mechanism to explain current enhancement that depends primarily upon the Mo-diamond interface.