Carbon Nanotube Field Emitters: Fundamental Properties and Applications

Abstract

Carbon nanotube (CNT) possesses various unique properties such as a needle-like shape with nanometer-size diameter, high mechanical strength, chemical stability and high electrical conductivity, which are advantages as field electron emitters. In this report, intriguing electron emission properties and dynamic behavior of CNT field emitters revealed by field emission microscopy (FEM) and in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are presented. Geometrical field enhancement factors of single CNTs were also measured at various tip-to-anode distances in TEM. Finally, some promising applications of CNT-based field emission devices are reviewed.