High performance nano cold-cathodes

Since the discovery of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), much attention has been paid to explore the use of one-dimensional nanomaterials as field emission electron cold cathodes. Now one may obtain electron emission at much low fields using the nano cold-cathodes and also can prepare vaccuum electron emitters in a self-assembly process. Many studies have been carried out in synthesis, characterization and new physical properties of CNTs and other quasi one-dimensional nanomaterials. However, the realization of the application of nano cold-cathodes in devices is the focus of recent attention. We shall present a review of recent developments in device-application-orientated nano cold-cathodes, and report our findings from the studies of addressable nano cold cathode array and high current density, large current nano cold-cathodes. We intend to use these to show the repeatability of both in preparation and application of nano cold-cathodes.