Characterization of field emission cathodes with different forms of diamond coatings

Abstract

The emission of different diamond coatings on silicon field emitter arrays were investigated: chemical vapor deposition diamond, high pressure and high temperature synthetic diamond, and shock-synthesized nanodiamond. Practical emission characteristics such as: emission threshold, maximum current, current stability, and reproducibility were tested. The effects of surface modification, the size of diamond crystallites, and hydrogen plasma treatments were also studied.