High-Current Cold Cathode Employing Diamond and Related Films

Results of recent experiments with diamond-coated electron-field-emission cold cathodes are presented. The cathodes offer an almost instantaneous response to field variations and can deliver high current densities. As shown, diamond and diamond-related films deposited on the surface of a cathode significantly increase the number of emission centers and can substantially improve the homogeneity of electron emission. The emission current can be increased via increasing the sp² graphitic phase concentration in the film.