Carbon nanotube—Based cold cathodes: Field emission angular properties and temporal stability

This study investigates the field emission (FE) properties of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based cathodes, focusing on their angular characteristics and temporal stability. The objective is to enhance the performance of these cold cathodes by analyzing their emission patterns and the longevity of their operational efficiency. Methodologically, a series of experimental setups were employed to measure the angular distribution of emitted electrons from CNT cathodes under varying electric fields. Additionally, long-term stability tests were conducted to assess performance degradation over extended use. The results indicate that the angular emission properties are significantly influenced by the structural integrity of the CNTs, with optimal geometries yielding improved electron emission. Moreover, the cats demonstrated remarkable temporal stability, maintaining consistent emission characteristics over the testing period. This research contributes to the understanding of CNT-based cathodes, offering insights that can further the development of efficient electron sources for various applications in electronics and nanotechnology.