A simple process of growing vertically aligned carbon nanotube emitter on metal foil for X-ray source

In this study, a simple process has been proposed for vertically aligned CNT growth on metal foil and then the applied CNT emitter as electron source for X-ray generation.The CNTs were grown using a triode dc-PECVD (plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition). The growth temperature was maintained at 700 degC. To confirm the electron emission of the vertically aligned CNTs on metal foil, emission current was measured using diode structure. A CNT-based X-ray tube which can generate sufficient X-ray flux for diagnostic imaging applications was also demonstrated.