Field enhancement factor of carbon nanotube cathode fabricated by hybrid molding technology

In this study, we fabricated carbon nanotube (CNT) cathode using a hybrid molding technology. A relationship between the field enhancement factor of CNT and field emission characteristics was investigated as a function of protrusion length of CNT emitter outside of the surface. The experimental results of this study were also compared with theoretical values for the CNT cathodes. The emission properties of the CNT cathode showed high level as we had expected. This technology can be applicable to electron gun fabrication for point source devices.