Electron field emission from carbon nanotubes

Technological advances in microfabrication has resulted in a renewed interest in vacuum microelectronics. The potential scatter-free ballistic motion of electrons in vacuum out-performs solid state scatter-dominated electron transport in many applications. Carbon nanotubes has been identified as a suitable source for cold cathodes, and a second generation technology for Spindt metal tips. This is enabled by the high aspect ratios, mechanical robustness, high current carrying capability and chemical inertness. There is a long held belief that CNTs will be an ideal material structure for high resolution electron beam instruments that use point electron sources. In addition, there are a number of other applications that can utilise CNT for technologies that range from field emission displays to X-ray sources to microwave amplifiers. Before CNTs can be adopted for technologies, routes to manufacture, with suitable quality and appropriate characteristics must be realised. Furthermore, the key application that allows the science to move into a technology product must be identified.