High intensity pulse X-ray generation by using graphite-nanocrater cold cathode

A new nanometer-sized tailored cathode is fabricated by hydrogen plasma etching of a graphite substrates. SEM was used to characterize the graphite surface before and after etching. Based on the correlation between the field emission characteristics and surface morphology, the nanometer-sized crater structures play an important role in the field emission behavior of the graphite nanocrater cathode (GRANC). The field emission characteristics of GRANC was compared with CNT and graphite nanofibers. Finally, the performance of GRANC as a cold cathode is demonstrated by obtaining high intensity pulse x-ray generation. The single shot x-ray radiography image of a rotating chopper are shown by using the x-ray pulses. This cold cathode is not only promising for pulse x-ray generation but also for the fabrication of sophisticated devices which require stable high current density operation.