Field emission from carbon nanotubes and its application to electron sources Original Research Article

Carbon nanotubes possess the following properties favorable for field emitters: (1) high aspect ratio, (2) small radius of curvature at their tips, (3) high chemical stability and (4) high mechanical strength. A field emission microscopy (FEM) study was carried out for both multiwall nanotubes (MWNTs) and single-wall nanotubes (SWNTs) produced by arc discharge between carbon electrodes. Field emission patterns as well as current versus voltage characteristics and Fowler–Nordheim plots are discussed. As an application of nanotube field emitters, we manufactured cathode-ray tube (CRT) type lighting-elements and vacuum-fluorescence display (VFD) panels. In both display elements, conventional thermionic cathodes were replaced with MWNT field emitters. Stable electron emission, adequate luminance, and long life of the emitters was demonstrated.