Carbon nanotubes and nanofibers as strong field emitters for cold cathode applications

Fabrication techniques, field emission (FE) measurements, and cold cathode applications of carbon nanotube (CNT) and carbon nanofibers (CNF) are reviewed. Among the fabrication techniques discussed are screen printing and catalytic chemical vapour deposition. FE properties of single-wall (SWNT) and multiwall nanotubes (MWNT) are studied under SEM control. Optimization of various cold cathode materials are also presented for practical applications that require different designs and emitter performances