Statistical analysis of low-voltage electron emission from nanocarbon cathodes

Abstract

The current-voltage (I−V) characteristics of low-voltage electron emission from nanocarbon (nC) film cathodes consisting of carbon nanotubes and/or nanosized graphite crystallites is analyzed. It is shown that an adequate qualitative description of the I−V characteristics can be obtained within the classical Fowler-Nordheim (FN) theory with regard to the normal statistical distribution of the parameters of emission sites situated on the cathode surface. However, the application of this classical theory to obtain quantitative estimates leads to a considerable discrepancy between the results obtained and experimental data. A quantitative agreement between experimental data and theoretical results can be achieved under the assumption that the effective areas of emission sites increase at the expense of the lateral surfaces of nC structures.