Carbon Nanotube Electron Sources for Electron Microscopes

Abstract

ABSTRACTHigh-quality electron sources can be made from individual multi-walled carbon nanotubes. A process was developed allowing the control over 1) the length of the fraction of the nanotube protruding from the support tip, 2) the contact length of the nanotube with the support tip, 3) the diameter of the nanotube. In addition, the cap of the nanotube was closed and the nanotube was cleaned thoroughly. The field emission model successfully describes the electron emission process of these electron sources and the work function is 5.1 eV. The emitters show a highly stable emission, as expected on account of the extremely stable structure of the carbon nanotube.