Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of highly efficient films for field-effect electron emitters, wherein said films may be used in the production of flat displays, in electronic microscopes, in microwave electronics, in light sources as well as in various other applications. This invention more precisely relates to a cold cathode that comprises a substrate having a carbon film applied thereto. The carbon film has an irregular structure consisting of carbon micro-ridges and/or micro-threads which are perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, have a size ranging typically from 0.01 to 1 microns and a distribution density of between 0.1 and 10 &mgr;m2. This invention also relates to method for producing a cold electrode, wherein said method comprises generating a DC current discharge in a mixture comprising hydrogen and a carbon-containing additive, and further depositing the carbon phase on the substrate located at the anode.