Influence of Vacuum on Nano-Diamond Cathode Field Emission Characteristics

Abstract

The test of nano-diamond cathode field emission characteristics was conducted by changing the vacuum, the influence of vacuum change on nano-diamond field emission characteristics was also explored. It was found that under the condition of low vacuum, nano-diamond field emission turn-on field is relatively high, as the vacuum increases, turn-on field decreases gradually, and current density increases. When system vacuum reaches to above 10-4Pa level, turn-on field becomes stable, the stable value is 4.5 V/μm; and current density also becomes stable, the stable value is 117 μA/cm2; the luminescence effect of anode which is 200μm distant from the cathode in the vacuum chamber also becomes stable. Results show that 10-4Pa is system vacuum limit parameter of stable working of field emission display, the experiment provides a basis to the design and manufacture of nano-diamond field emission display.