Development of durable carbon field emission nanostructures for vacuum electronics

The results achieved in improving the reliability and durability of cathodes based on field-induced electron emission of nano-scaled carbon structures are discussed. The features of the construction of two types of emitters: using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon-based planar-edge structures (CPES) - are described. The effective density of field emission current of 1.4 A·cm^-2- and longevity of the emitter at least 2000 hours were achieved experimentally. Promising directions in the development of microwave devices for communications and radar systems in the frequency range up to terahertz based on field emission structures are discussed.