Low-Field Electron Emission from Undoped Nanostructured Diamond

Abstract

Strong and sustained electron emission at low electric fields was observed in undoped, nanostructured diamond. Electron emission of 10 milliamperes per square centimeter was observed at applied fields of 3 to 5 volts per micrometer. These are the lowest fields ever reported for any field-emitting material at technologically useful current densities. The emitter consists of a layer of nanometer-size diamond particulates, which is heat-treated in a hydrogen plasma. These emission characteristics are attributed to the particles' high defect density and the low electron affinity of the diamond surface. Such emitters are technologically useful, because they can be easily and economically fabricated on large substrates.

Hydrogen concentration and bonding configuration in polycrystalline diamond films: From micro-to nanometric grain size

“…[12][13][14] Similarly, diamond grain size may influence the electronic and optical properties of the films. [15][16][17][18] The properties and associated practical applications of diamond films are significantly modified by their surface structure and chemical composition. However, the chemical and physical characterization of the uppermost surface atomic layers of diamond films presents a great challenge.…”

Formation and characterization of carbon nanowires

“…7,8 Emission from carbon-based materials depends on various parameters, such as negative electron affinity, band gap, surface termination, sp 2 and sp 3 content, etc., and is often reported as being localized rather than uniform. [9][10][11] In the case of carbon nanotubes and nanowires the effects of varying the aspect ratio and the proximity screening 12 need also to be taken into account. Ion irradiation of fullerene thin films ͓Fig.…”

Precursors for CVD Growth of Nanocrystalline Diamond

“…Zhu et al [25] attached thin nano-structured diamond films to silicon substrates by spraying or brushing technique using commercially available, produced by explosives, 10 to 100 nm size micro-polycrystalline diamond particles with each of the particle consisting of 1 to 20 nm crystallites and associated grain boundaries in aqueous suspension. Gohl et al [26] deposited nanodiamond powder coating by dielectrophoresis technique.…”