Direct Observation of Field Emission Sites in a Single Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube by Lorenz Microscopy

Abstract

Emission sites were observed as bright spots near the tip end of a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) by means of Lorenz microscopy. The bright spots appeared above electric fields as electrons were emitted. A marked fluctuation was observed in the emission current above 20–30 µA, which was closely related to structural changes at the tip of the MWNT. The layers of the MWNT were peeled off during field emission and they functioned as the second emission sites for the concentration of electric field.