Investigation of pulsed field electron emission from carbon nanotube thin films

Abstract

In this work, pulsed electric-field electron emission from carbon nanotube thin films is considered. The results of current response, amplitude of field emission current and critical field and corresponding current before occurrence of a vacuum breakdown event are reported. Indication of thermionic field emission is observed and higher critical current before vacuum breakdown is obtained. In addition, the CNT films are shown to have good emission stability under pulsed field operation.