Hybrid carbon nanotube/nanodiamond structures as electron emitters for cold cathodes.

The field emission properties of hybrid carbon nanotubes/nanodiamond structures produced by one-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process have been investigated in order to assess their application as electron emitters for cold cathodes. The electron emission properties of a series of samples have been investigated by current-pressure, current-voltage and current-time measurements with the aim of testing the emission stability under working conditions relevant to technological applications. Stable emission, high values of current density and lack of arcing have been observed during prolonged working cycles, and without degradation of the material structure.