Noise behaviour of field emission cathode based on lead pencil graphite

The paper describes electrical noise of experimental field emission cathodes based on “polymer” pencil leads which have a high content of hybridized carbon with a low degree of surface oxidation and silicon monoxide (SiO). Charge transport within experimental samples is evaluated based on results provided by the noise spectroscopy method. The paper also briefly describes the experimental preparation method of graphite tips based on ion milling which allow obtaining ultrasharp tips of a diameter lower than 100 nm.