Field emission cathodes using commercial carbon fibers

Abstract

Field emission cathodes have been constructed using commercial carbon fiber products. Using carbon yarn, emission starts at 5–15 kV and 10–30 kV/cm. Current densities up to 10 A/cm2 are obtainable over 100 cm2. Felt and cloth of carbon fiber emit at 50 kV/cm and up, and allow current densities of 10–1000 A/cm2 over 10–100 cm2.