Field emission at 10Vcm−1 with surface emission cathodes on negative-electron-affinity insulators

Abstract

Surface emission cathodes reported here consist of two electrodes separated by ∼10μm on a negative-electron-affinity glass, Cs2Si4O9. The electrodes consist of a W film suspended over the insulator by a gap of 0–70 nm. When electron emission is initiated with a bias of 0–300 V, between the electrodes, the cathodes continue to emit after the bias is removed and for anode voltages as low as 20 V, electric fields <10Vcm−1. The emission is modeled by the electrons tunneling from the electrode onto the glass surface and from there they are emitted into vacuum. Emission without bias is the result of positive charge in the insulator, which replaces the need for a bias voltage.