The intrinsic relation between field electron emission and structure characteristics of amorphous diamond film

Stable electron emission from amorphous diamond film at a low threshold fie ld of 6-7 mV m(-1) has been observed using a transparent anode technique. T he electron emission characteristics are discussed in terms of the structur al properties of films. Using scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectr a, the emitting and the non-emitting regions of the amorphous diamond film are analysed. The emitting regions exhibit rougher microstructure in morpho logy and a stronger Raman peak at 1360 cm(-1) than the non-emitting regions , a signature of having more micro-sp(2) components. It is suggested that f ield emission is prone to take place at the regions containing more sp(2) n anoclusters or nanocrystalline graphite.