Phenomenon of pulsed high-power electron emission from graphene-like structures and carbon nanotubes stimulated by electric field

Abstract

A new type of pulsed electron emission has been discovered. This emission arises when the pulsed electron field of strength F ≥ 10 V/mkm is applied to the cathode made of graphene-like structure and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. This high power current emission makes possible the obtaining of pulsed currents of hundreds ampere in nanosecond range. This type of emission has the character of the charge-limited electron flash and can be called «Flash emission». The duration of the process depends on the strength of the electric field and decreases as the field strength increases. The characteristic emission times are 1–5 ns. The duration of the electron emission is determined by the value of the charge concentrated in the near-to-surface region of the graphene-like structure and carbon nanotubes. The recovery time of the initial state of the emitter after the extraction of the electron current, is in the range exceeding 300 ns.