Field emission properties of a blade cathode based on a carbon foil

Abstract

Field electron emission properties of a blade cathode based on carbon foil under the conditions of technical vacuum are studied experimentally. Pretreatment of the cathode is carried out in air using a corona discharge. The current-voltage characteristics are taken during all period of device operation. Current dependence on time is monitored during 6 hours at anode and modulator voltage around 9 kV and 5 kV respectively. The intensity of emission current from the cathode may reach 1,1 rnA.