The use of carbonaceous materials as field-emission cathodes

The advantages and disadvantages of carbon fibers and graphite plates with a developed surface as field-emission cathode materials are discussed. Expe rimental data for the chemical composition of the materials and the effect of thermal annealing on their structure and emission properties are present ed. A correlation between the work function and the amount of cesium implan t is studied. The feasibility of preparing planar cold cathodes with a deve loped surface by means of radiation technologies is considered, and the evo lution of the emitting surface during bombardment by low-energy residual ga s ions is traced. Cold cathode designs fur various applications are recomme nded. (C) 2001 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".