Investigation of the electron emission from pores in a diamond porous membrane

It was previously proposed that porous diamond membranes can be used as hel d emission arrays. As main features of such a device, we identified a field enhancement factor equivalent or superior to that of a metal edge emitter, allied to a higher vacuum conductance. Emitting membrane prototypes were b uilt and tested. These showed promising emission performance. In this work we continue the membrane pore characterization from a geometric point of vi ew. Pie also present photoemission electron microscopy images from the emit ting area around a pore. These images show that indeed there is enhanced el ectron emission occurring in that region. Current versus time and current v ersus field graphs complete the emission characterization. (C) 2000 America n Vacuum Society. [S0734-211X(00)00105-0].