Abstract
Carbon nanotube(CNT) emitters were formed on line-patterned cathodes in microtrenches through a thermal CVD process. Single-walled carbon nanotubes(SWCNTs) self-organized along the trench lines with a submicron inter-CNT spacing. Excellent field emission(FE) properties were obtained: current densities at the anode (Ja) of 1νAcm-2, 10mAcm-2 and 100mAcm-2 were recorded at gate voltages (Vg) of 16, 25 and 36V, respectively. The required voltage difference to gain a 1:10 000 contrast of the anode current was as low as 9V, indicating that a very low operating voltage is possible for these devices. Not only a large number of emission sites but also the optimal combination of trench structure and emitter morphology are crucial to achieve the full FE potential of thin CNTs with a practical lifetime. The FE properties of 1D arrays of CNT emitters and their optimal design are discussed. Self-organization of thin CNTs is an attractive prospect to tailor preferable emitter designs in FE devices.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 475707 |
| Journal | Nanotechnology |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue number | 47 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2009 Nov 25 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Bioengineering
- Chemistry(all)
- Materials Science(all)
- Mechanics of Materials
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering