Generation of x-ray images using a CNT-based cathode as an field emission electron source

Summary form only given. Conventional X-ray source reveals several problems such as short lifetime, immovability with bulky size, and relatively low resolution. For solving these problems, laser based X-ray sources have been applied but they were insufficient for X-ray source because of its low conversion efficiency. Recently, O. Zhou et al., has developed a new X-ray emission method by using field emission of carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes (i.e., CNTs) are tubular carbon molecules with properties that make them potentially useful in extremely small scale electronic and mechanical applications. In the present study, CNTs were applied for an X-ray emitter. CNTs were grown by thermal CVD method and the length of the grown CNTs was about 30~50 mm. The electrical properties of the grown CNT emitter were tested in a vacuum chamber. Electron beam focusing characteristics were also investigated by using Opera 3D code and the positions of individual electrodes in the mode were optimized for the best X-ray generation. Typical X-ray images were obtained and the detailed descriptions of the manufactured X-ray mode were discussed