Aligned carbon nanotube films for cold cathode applications

Thin film material of oriented multiwall carbon nanotubes was obtained by n oncatalytical chemical vapor deposition in a glow-discharge plasma. The fil m phase composition, surface morphology, and structural features were studi ed by Raman and electron microscopy techniques. Low-voltage electron field emission of thin film nanotube material was obtained and examined in diode configuration. The I-V curves in Fowler-Nordheim coordinates were linear an d the corresponding threshold average field was about 1.5 V/mu m. The emiss ion current density was up to 50 mA/cm(2) at the field of 5 V/mu m. The emi ssion site density reached 10(7) cm(-2) at the same value of electric field . (C) 2000 American Vacuum Society. [S0734-211X(00)09602-5].