Time-Dependent Response of Field Emission by Single Carbon Nanotubes

This paper investigates the field emission behavior by single carbon nanotubes. The DC current vs. voltage characteristics are measured for four different tubes, as well as for another sealed tube, which has a tungsten tip. Nonlinear least squares regressions of these data are used to determine Fowler-Nordheim parameters, and the work functions and the radii of the emitting tips in all five tubes are calculated. The time-dependent field emission current is measured and the magnitudes of the increase in the DC current are determined. Laser irradiation caused an increase in the DC current of 5.2% with the carbon nanotubes and 0.19% with the tungsten tip