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Fabrication of a Carbon Nanotube Thermionic Cathode


EMSL Project ID
25618

Abstract

We propose to fabricate a thermionic cathode based on carbon nanotubes as an emitting material. Electron sources compatible with microfabrication processes are critical for the advancement of miniaturized terahertz electron devices. Currently, such devices have used Field Emission Devices (FEDs); however, devices have been limited in power due to the poor emission current densities of FED cathodes. We believe the unique qualities of carbon nanotubes including high current capabilities and high material strength will result in a cathode with superior electron emission characteristics. Such cathodes could result in microelectron devices having wide and useful applications such as high resolution imaging, terahertz spectroscopy, nondestructive characterization, as well as others.
Currently, we have usage of the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has granted fabrication access to aid in the construction of a carbon nanotube cathode. We propose to use the facilities and personnel at EMSL for partial fabrication and testing of the resulting cathode.

Project Details

Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2007-07-01
End Date
2009-09-30
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Kyle Bunch
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Team Members

Amy Qiao
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Paul Gassman
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Related Publications

8th International Conference on Nanotechnology, August 18-21, 2008, Arlington, TX