Abstract: A spark plug, a center electrode therefore and method of construction is provided. The spark plug has a generally annular ceramic insulator extending between a terminal end and a nose end. A conductive shell surrounds at least a portion of the ceramic insulator and a ground electrode having a ground electrode sparking surface is operatively attached to the shell. An elongate center electrode has a body extending between opposite ends, wherein the body is compacted and sintered of a conductive or semi-conductive ceramic material. One of the electrode ends provides a center electrode sparking surface to provide a spark gap between the center electrode sparking surface and the ground electrode sparking surface.

Abstract: A device and method is presented for achieving a high field emission from the application of a low electric field. More specifically, the device includes a substrate wherein a plurality of nanostructures are grown on the substrate. The relationship of the nanostructures and the substrate (the relationship includes the number of nanostructures on the substrate, the orientation of the nanostructures in relationship to each other and in relationship to the substrate, the geometry of the substrate, the morphology of the nanostructures and the morphology of the substrate, the manner in which nanostructures are grown on the substrate, the composition of nanostructure and composition of substrate, etc) allow for the generation of the high field emission from the application of the low electric field.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube emitter and its fabrication method, a Field Emission Device (FED) using the carbon nanotube emitter and its fabrication method include a carbon nanotube emitter having a plurality of first carbon nanotubes arranged on a substrate and in parallel with the substrate, and a plurality of the second carbon nanotubes arranged on a surface of the first carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: An electrode member for a cold cathode fluorescent lamp which is excellent in sputtering resistance and a discharge property, and which is excellent in productivity, a method of producing the electrode member, and a cold cathode fluorescent lamp are provided. A cold cathode fluorescent lamp 1 includes a glass tube 20 and electrode members 10 arranged in the tube 20. Each of the electrode members 10 includes an electrode main body portion 11 having a bottomed tubular shape and a lead portion 12 arranged at a sealing portion of the glass tube 20, and the portions 11 and 12 are integrally formed. The electrode members 10 contain at least one type of element selected from Ti, Hf, Zr, V, Nb, Mo, W, Sr, Ba, B, Th, Al, Y, Mg, In, Ca, Sc, Ga, Ge, Ag, Rh, Ta, and rare earth elements (other than Y and Sc) in a total amount in the range of 0.01 to 5.0 percent by mass, and the balance composed of a Fe—Ni alloy and impurities.

Abstract: The material contains a porous metal matrix impregnated with a material emitting electrons. The material uses a mixture of copper and iron powders as a porous metal matrix and a Group IIIB metal component such as Y2O3 is used as a material emitting electrons at, for example, the proportion of the components, mass %: iron: 3-30; Y2O3:0.05-1; copper: the remainder. Copper provides a high level of heat conduction and electric conductance, iron decreases intensity of copper evaporation in the process of plasma creation providing increased strength and lifetime, Y2O3 provides decreasing of electronic work function and stability of arc burning. The material can be used for producing the electrodes of low temperature AC plasma generators used for destruction of liquid organic wastes, medical wastes, municipal wastes as well as for decontamination of low level radioactive waste, the destruction of chemical weapons, warfare toxic agents, etc.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube Schottky barrier photovoltaic cells and methods and apparatus for making the cells are provided. The photovoltaic cells include at least one contact made from a first contact material, at least one contact made from a second contact material and a plurality of photoconducting carbon nanotubes bridging the contacts. A Schottky barrier is formed at the interface between the first contact material and the carbon nanotubes while at the interface between the second contact material and the carbon nanotubes, a Schottky barrier for the opposite carrier is formed, or a small, or no Schottky barrier is formed. It is the Schottky barrier asymmetry that allows the photo-excited electron-hole pairs to escape from the carbon nanotube device.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment low stress electrode and a preferred array of microcavity plasma devices of the invention include a plurality of thin metal first electrodes and stress reduction structures and/or geometries designed to promote the flatness during and after processing. The first electrodes are buried in a thin metal oxide layer which protects the electrodes from the plasma in the microcavities. In embodiments of the invention, some or all of the electrodes are connected. Patterns of connections in a one- or two-dimensional array of microcavities can be defined. In preferred embodiments, the first electrodes comprise circumferential electrodes that surround individual microcavities. A second thin layer having a buried, second electrode is bonded to the first thin layer. A packaging layer, e.g., a thin glass or plastic layer, seals the discharge medium (a gas or vapor, or a combination of the two) into the microcavities.

Abstract: Provided is an electron-emitting device which is excellent in electron-emitting efficiency, and may obtain a large electron-emitting amount and stable electron-emitting characteristics. The electron-emitting device includes: a first conductive film and a second conductive film which are provided through a first gap; first carbon films connected to the first conductive film; and second carbon films which are connected to the second conductive film, and are opposed to the first carbon films through second and third gaps. Continuous concave portions are provided in the second and third gaps.

Abstract: A light source apparatus (8) includes a rear plate (80), a front plate formed with an anode layer (82), and a cathode (81) interposed therebetween. The cathode includes a plurality of electrically conductive carriers (812) and a plurality of field emitters (816) formed thereon. The field emitters are uniformly distributed on anode-facing surfaces of the conductive carriers. Preferably, the field emitters extend radially outwardly from the corresponding conductive carriers. The conductive carriers are parallel with each other, and are located substantially on a common plane. Each of the conductive carriers can be connected with a pulling device arranged at least one end thereof, and an example of the pulling device is a spring. The conductive carriers may be cylindrical, prism-shaped or polyhedral.

Abstract: A flat panel display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed to oppose each other with a predetermined gap therebetween. An electrode made of a conductive film is formed on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate. A sealing member is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and bonds the first substrate and the second substrate to each other. An electrode protecting layer is formed on a portion of the electrode overlapping with the sealing member and between the sealing member and the electrode. The electrode and the electrode protecting layer may be made of a conductive metal.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of forming the apparatus include a film of transparent conductive titanium-doped indium oxide for use in a variety of configurations and systems. The film of transparent conductive titanium-doped indium oxide may be structured as one or more monolayers. The film of transparent conductive titanium-doped indium oxide may be formed using atomic layer deposition.

Abstract: An electrode (1) for cold cathode tube has a cylindrical sidewall portion (2), a bottom portion (3) provided at one end of the sidewall portion, and an opening portion (4) provided at the other end of the sidewall portion. The sidewall portion and the bottom portion are made of tungsten. The tungsten has fibrous crystalline structure extending substantially perpendicularly to a direction of thickness of the sidewall portion or the bottom portion. The thickness T of the sidewall portion or the bottom portion and an average width W of the fibrous crystalline structures in the direction of the thickness satisfy the following relational expression: 0.003?W/T?0.07.

Abstract: A field emission device (10) includes a sealed container (11) with a light-permeable portion (12). A phosphor layer (13) is formed on the light-permeable portion. A light-permeable anode (14) is formed on the light-permeable portion. At least one cathode is positioned opposite to the light-permeable anode. A shielding barrel (16) is electrically connected to the at least one cathode and disposed in the container. The shielding barrel has opposite open ends respectively facing towards the light-permeable anode and the cathode (18, 19). The shielding barrel has an inner surface, and a slurry layer (17) containing conductive nano material is formed on the inner surface of the shielding barrel.

Abstract: A barium-free electron emissive material comprises a barium-free metal oxide composition and operable to emit electrons on excitation. A lamp including an envelope, an electrode including a barium-free electron emissive material and a discharge material, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A paste composition for forming an electrode includes: Component A: a conductive powder; Component B: a glass frit having a transmittance of about 65% or less at a wavelength of 550 nm; Component C: an organic binder; and Component D: a solvent.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To provide an electron emitting layer with improved efficiency of electron emission and prevented damage of the device. [SOLVING MEANS] An electron emitting device including an amorphous electron supply layer 4, an insulating layer 5 formed on the electron supply layer 4, and an electrode 6 formed on the insulating layer 5, the electron emitting device emitting electrons when an electric field is applied between the electron supply layer 4 and the electrode 6, wherein the electron emitting device includes a concave portion 7 provided by notching the electrode 6 and the insulating layer 5 to expose the electron supply layer 4, and a carbon layer 8 covering the electrode 6 and the concave portion 7 except for an inner portion 4b of an exposed surface 4a of the electron supply layer 4 and being in contact with an edge portion 4c of the exposed surface 4a of the electron supply layer 4.

Abstract: An image display apparatus uses electron-emitting devices each having: a pair of device electrodes on an insulating substrate; and an electroconductive film connecting the device electrodes. The insulating substrate has concave portions in a gap between the device electrodes. The film has opening portions having a first gap in a region adjacent to the opening portions along such a gap. A carbon film having a second gap is formed in the first gap and has extending portions extending from side surfaces of the concave portions toward the bottom. The extending portions of the adjacent carbon films are not coupled.

Abstract: There is provided a compact charged particle beam apparatus with a non-evaporable getter pump which maintains high vacuum even during emission of an electron beam without generating foreign particles. The apparatus comprises: a charged particle source; a charged particle optics which focuses a charged particle beam emitted from the charged particle source on a sample and performs scanning; and means of vacuum pumping which evacuates the charged particle optics. The means of vacuum pumping has a differential pumping structure with two or more vacuum chambers connected through an opening in series. A pump made of non-evaporable getter alloy is placed in an upstream vacuum chamber with a high degree of vacuum, and a gas absorbing surface of the non-evaporable getter alloy is fixed without contact with another part.

Abstract: A field emission device (10) includes a sealed container (12) with a first light-permeable portion (120) and an opposite second light-permeable portion (122). A first phosphor layer (14) is formed on the first light-permeable portion. A first light-permeable anode (16) is formed on the first light-permeable portion. A second phosphor layer (18) is formed on the second light-permeable portion. A second light-permeable anode (20) is formed on the second light-permeable portion. A shielding barrel (22) is disposed within the container and electrically connected to at least one cathode electrode (25, 26). The shielding barrel has opposite open ends facing toward the first and the second light-permeable portions respectively. The shielding barrel has an inner surface, and a slurry layer (24) containing conductive nano material is formed on the inner surface of the shielding barrel.

Abstract: A discharge lamp encompassing a sealed-off tube filled with a discharge gas and a discharge electrode provided in the sealed-off tube. The discharge electrode embraces a supporting base and an electron-emitting layer formed of a wide bandgap semiconductor and provided on the supporting base, implemented by a plurality of protrusions, at least part of surfaces of the protrusions are unseen from a perpendicular direction to thereof above a top surface of the electron-emitting layer, dangling bonds of the wide bandgap semiconductor at the surfaces are terminated with hydrogen atoms.

Abstract: An ion source is capable of generating and/or emitting an ion beam which may be used to deposit a layer on a substrate or to perform other functions. In certain example embodiments, techniques for reducing the costs associated with producing ion sources and/or elements thereof are provided. Such techniques may include, for example, forming the inner and/or outer cathode(s) from 1018 mild steel and/or segmented pieces. Such techniques also or instead include, for example, forming the ion source body from a single steel U-channel, or from segmented pieces making up the same. These techniques may be used alone or in various combinations.

Abstract: A field emission electron source includes a CNT needle and a conductive base. The CNT needle has an end portion and a broken end portion; the end portion is contacted with and electrically connected to a surface of the conductive base. The CNTs at the broken end portion form a taper-shape structure, wherein one CNT protrudes and is higher than the adjacent CNTs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a field emission device comprising an anode and a cathode, wherein said cathode includes carbon nanotubes which have been treated with an ion beam. The ion beam may be any ions, including gallium, hydrogen, helium, argon, carbon, oxygen, and xenon ions. The present invention also relates to a field emission cathode comprising carbon nanotubes, wherein the nanotubes have been treated with an ion beam. A method for treating the carbon nanotubes and for creating a field emission cathode is also disclosed. A field emission display device containing carbon nanotube which have been treated with an ion beam is further disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a producing method for an electron emitting device of field emission type, having sufficient on/off characteristics and capable of efficient electron emission at a low voltage. There is provided a producing method for an electron emitting device including steps of preparing a plurality of electroconductive particles each covered with an insulation material having a thickness of 10 nm or less at least on a part of a surface of the particle, and forming a dipole layer on a surface of the insulation material covering each of the plurality of electroconductive particles.

Abstract: An electron emission device includes first and second substrates facing each other with a predetermined distance, cathode electrodes formed on the first substrate, electron emission regions formed on the cathode electrodes, and gate electrodes placed over the cathode electrodes while interposing an insulating layer. The gate electrodes have opening portions exposing the electron emission regions on the first substrate. The electron emission region has a height compensation portion formed on the cathode electrode such that the width of the height compensation portion is reduced in a direction toward the second substrate. An electron emission layer covers the surface of the height compensation portion and contacts the cathode electrode such that the electron emission layer is electrically connected to the cathode electrode.

Abstract: A field emission electron source (10) includes a conductive base (12), a carbon nanotube (14), and a modifying layer (16). The conductive base includes a top (122). One end (142) of the carbon nanotube is electrically connected with the top of the conductive base. The other end (144) of the carbon nanotube extends outwardly away from the top of the conductive base. The modifying layer (16) is uniformly distributed and coated onto at least the surface of the other end of the carbon nanotube. The work function of the modifying layer is lower than that of the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: A water-based composition is used to form an electron and includes a carbonaceous compound, a silicate compound, and water. The electron emitter includes a carbonaceous compound and a silicate compound and is prepared using the water-based composition, and an electron emission device includes the electron emitter. The water-based composition that is used to form an electron emitter is suitable for forming a distinctive pattern, and the electron emitter prepared using the water-based composition has very small residual carbon content.

Abstract: Provided is a piezoelectric-film-type electron emitter of high durability exhibiting suppressed reduction in electron emission quantity, which reduction would otherwise occur with repeated use of the electron emitter. The electron emitter includes a substrate, a lower electrode, an emitter layer, and an upper electrode. The upper electrode has a plurality of openings, and an emitter section located on the top surface of the emitter layer is exposed through the openings to a reduced-pressure atmosphere. The electron emitter is configured so that when a pulse drive voltage Va is applied between the lower electrode and the upper electrode, electrons are accumulated on the emitter section, and then the electrons are emitted toward the reduced-pressure atmosphere. The emitter layer contains a primary component (i.e., a ferroelectric composition) and an additional component.

Abstract: An electrode including metal oxides and a plurality of 12CaO.7Al2O3 particles, a method of preparing the electrode, an electronic device including the electrode, and, in particular, an organic light emitting device including the electrode. The electrode has low resistance, high optical transmittance, and a low work function.

Abstract: Methods for growing carbon nanotubes on single crystal substrates are disclosed. A method of producing a nanostructure material comprises coating a single crystal substrate with a catalyst film to form a catalyst coated substrate; annealing the catalyst film by supplying a first promoter gas to the catalyst coated substrate at a first temperature and a first pressure; and supplying a second promoter gas and a carbon-source gas to the catalyst coated substrate in a substantially water-free atmosphere at a second pressure and a second temperature for a time period to cause growth of nanostructures on the catalyst coated substrate. The nanostructure material is used in various applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode for electrochemical measurement including a carbon nanotube, a catalyst causing a specific chemical reaction, and an insulator in which the carbon nanotube and the catalyst are embedded, wherein a part of the catalyst is exposed at the surface of the insulator and a part of the carbon nanotube is exposed at the surface of the insulator to form an electoconductive portion, or wherein a part of the catalyst is exposed at the surface of the insulator, and a part of the carbon nanotube is electrically connected to the exposed catalyst to form an electoconductive portion.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to reduce power consumption in a plasma display panel (PDP) by reducing the discharge firing voltage, while suppressing the occurrence of discharge variability when the PDP is driven, as well as ensuring the wall-charge holding performance of a protective film surface. To achieve this, a front panel of a PDP of the present invention has a catalyst layer dispersed on a surface of display electrodes formed in stripes on one side of a glass substrate, and needle crystals composed of graphite formed to stand upright on the catalyst layer. The needle crystals form a phase-separated structure with the materials of a dielectric film and a protective film.

Abstract: A method for forming high density emission elements for a field emission display and field emission elements and field emission displays formed according to the method. Oxygen and a silicon etchant are introduced into a plasma etching chamber containing a silicon substrate. The oxygen reacts with the silicon surface to form regions of silicon dioxide, while the silicon etchant etches the silicon to form the emission elements. The silicon dioxide regions mask the underlying silicon during the silicon etch process. High density and high aspect ratio emission elements are formed without using photolithographic processes as practiced in the prior art. The emission elements formed according to the present invention provide a more uniform emission of electrons than the prior art techniques. Further, a display incorporating emission elements formed according to the present invention provides increased brightness.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a field emission cathode comprising the steps of providing a liquid compound comprising a liquid phenolic resin and at least one of a metal salt and a metal oxide, arranging a conductive cathode support (2) such that said conductive cathode support comes in a vicinity of said liquid compound (2) and heating said liquid compound (2). By performing the above mentioned steps, a solid compound foam is formed which is transformed from said liquid compound, said solid compound foam at least partly covering said conductive cathode support. Advantage with the novel compound comprises its improved work function and the minimal or non-existing training period. Hence, this novel method will provide the possibility to manufacture a field emission cathode at a fraction of the cost associated with the in prior art used methods and materials.

Abstract: An electron-emitting device according to the present invention is an electron-emitting device having a cathode electrode, an insulating film provided on the cathode electrode, and a dipole layer provided on the insulating film, wherein the dipole layer is formed by terminating the insulating film with an NH group. An electron source according to the present invention has a plurality of the electron-emitting devices. An image display apparatus according to the present invention has the electron source and a light emitting member that emits light by irradiation with electrons.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electron-emitting device according to the present invention includes a step of preparing a carbon layer containing conductive metallic particles, a step of oxidizing a portion the conductive metallic particles, and a step of forming a dipole layer on a surface of the carbon layer. An electron-emitting device according to the present invention is manufactured by the manufacturing method for the electron-emitting device. An electron source according to the present invention includes a plurality of the electron-emitting devices. An image display apparatus according to the present invention includes the electron source and a image forming member which forms an image by an electron emitted from the electron source.

Abstract: A method of batch fabrication using established photolithographic techniques allowing nanoparticles or nanodevices to be fabricated and mounted into a macroscopic device in a repeatable, reliable manner suitable for large-scale mass production. Nanoparticles can be grown on macroscopic “modules” which can be easily manipulated and shaped to fit standard mounts in various devices.

Abstract: An electron emission device includes components for inhibiting the diffusion of electron beams, decreasing the light emission of incorrect colors, and preventing the diode type electron emission due to the anode electric field. In particular, the electron emission device includes a substrate with grooves, and electron emission regions filling the grooves. Cathode electrodes are provided at the substrate such that the cathode electrodes are electrically connected to the electron emission regions. Gate electrodes are formed over the cathode electrodes while interposing an insulating layer.

Abstract: An electron emission device includes a substrate, cathode and gate electrodes placed on the substrate in an insulated manner, and electron emission regions electrically connected to the cathode electrodes. Each of the cathode electrodes includes a line electrode having a groove at one lateral side surface thereof, and isolation electrodes formed on the substrate exposed through the groove such that the isolation electrodes are isolated from the line electrode. The electron emission regions are placed on the isolation electrodes and a resistance layer electrically connects the isolation electrodes to the line electrode.

Abstract: An electrode system for lamp engineering has at least one electrode holding rod and an electrode head, which are connected to one another by a soldering filler in a soldering process, the soldering filler being a sintered shaped part consisting of an essentially eutectic alloy.

Abstract: An electron emission device that includes a substrate, at least one electron emission region, and at least one cathode electrode disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the electron emission region, wherein the cathode electrode has a first electrode, a plurality of second electrodes on the first electrode, a sub-insulation layer between the first and second electrodes, and a resistive layer electrically connected to the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for forming an electron emission source comprising a carbon-based material and a vehicle comprising a resin component and a solvent component. The resin component is a material that has less than 0.5 wt % of carbon deposits after undergoing a heat treatment at 450° C. under nitrogen atmosphere. The present invention also provides a method of preparing an electron emission source using the composition for forming an electron emission source, and an electron emission source that is prepared using the electron emission source. The electron emission source prepared using the composition has a small amount of the carbon deposits which improves its electric current density and lengthens its lifespan.

Abstract: An electron emission Source is disclosed, in which the fine carbon fibers included are uniformly dispersed as compared with those in the conventionally known electron emission sources, and the manufacturing of which is also easy. The electron emission source is manufactured by preparing a carbon fibrous structures' dispersion which comprises at least carbon fibrous structures and a binder resin, wherein carbon fibrous structure comprises a three dimensional network of carbon fibers, each of which having an outside diameter of 15-100 nm, wherein the carbon fibrous structure further comprises a granular part, at which two or more carbon fibers are bound in a state that the carbon fibers extend outwardly therefrom, and wherein the granular part is produced in a growth process of the carbon fibers; applying the carbon fibrous structures' dispersion onto the substrate; and solidifying the applied carbon fibrous structures' dispersion.

Abstract: A field emission device has an improved structure in which electron emission from a cathode is enhanced through external light radiation. The field emission device includes: a light transmitting substrate; a cathode unit arranged on the light transmitting substrate and adapted to emit electrons, the cathode unit including: a first electrode layer of a transparent conductive material arranged on the substrate; a first electron emission layer of a semiconductive polymer organic material arranged on the first electrode layer; a second electron emission layer of a composite of a carbon-based inorganic material and a semiconductive polymer organic material arranged on the first electron emission layer; and a second electrode layer of a conductive material arranged on the second electron emission layer. The field emission device further includes an anode arranged to face the cathode unit.

Abstract: An electron emitter includes an emitter layer formed of a dielectric material, an upper electrode, and a lower electrode. A drive voltage is applied between the upper electrode and the lower electrode, for emitting electrons. The upper electrode is formed of scale-like conductive particles on the upper surface of the emitter layer and has a plurality of opening portions. The surfaces of overhanging portions of the opening portions that face the emitter layer are apart from the emitter layer. The overhanging portions each have such a cross-sectional shape as to be acutely pointed toward the inner edge of the opening portion, or the tip end of the overhanging portion, so that lines of electric force concentrate at the inner edge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a glass composition composed of an oxide glass wherein the percentages of constitutional elements other than oxygen (O) expressed in atomic % are as follows: boron (B) is not less than 56% and not more than 72%; silicon (Si) is not less than 0% and not more than 15%; Zinc (Zn) is not less than 0% and not more than 18%; potassium (K) is not less than 8% and not more than 20%; and the total of K, sodium (Na) and lithium (Li) is not less than 12% and not more than 20%. This glass composition further may contain at least one of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr) and barium (Ba) in an amount of more than 0% and not more than 5%, and molybdenum (Mo) and/or tungsten (W) in an amount of more than 0% and not more than 3%.

Abstract: A field emission electron source includes a substrate, a first conductive electrode terminated to provide electrons, an emitting composite layer for emitting electrons, and a second electrode insulated from the emitter layer and terminated to extract electrons through vacuum space. The emitting composite layer lies between and parallel to the said first and the second electrodes, and comprises nano-structures embedded in a solid matrix. One end of the nano-structures is truncated and exposed at the surface of the emitter layer so that both the length and the apex of the nano-structure are regulated and the exposed nano-tips are kept substantially the same distance from the gate electrode. The embedding material is chosen to form triple junctions with the exposed tip to further enhance the field.

Abstract: A backlight 23 of the present invention has a panel case 24 and plural phosphor-coated anode sections 25 each arranged flatly in the panel case and plural linear cathode sections 26. Each of the plural linear cathode sections 26 has a conductive wire 33 having a great number of field concentration assisting concave/convex sections 34 formed on its outer peripheral surface and a carbon-based film 35 having, as a field electron emitter, a great number of sharp microscopic sections on the field concentration assisting concave/convex sections 34, wherein the field electron emitter emits electrons toward each of the plural phosphor-coated anode sections 25 so as to be radially widespread, when DC voltage is applied between the phosphor-coated anode sections 25 and the linear cathode sections 26.

Abstract: Provided is a piezoelectric-film-type electron emitter which enables suppression of reduction of electron emission quantity due to repeated use thereof, and which exhibits high durability. The electron emitter includes a substrate; an emitter section formed of a dielectric material; a first electrode formed on the top surface of the emitter section; and a second electrode formed on the bottom surface of the emitter section. The dielectric material forming the emitter section contains a dielectric composition having an electric-field-induced strain (i.e., percent deformation under application of an electric field of 4 kV/mm, as measured in a direction perpendicular to the electric field) of 0.07% or less.

Abstract: A method for measuring work function includes the steps of: (a) providing a field emission electron source having a carbon nanotube tip as a cathode electrode and a spaced anode electrode, having a predetermined spaced distance therebetween; (b) applying a voltage between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode and measuring a first current-voltage curve of the field emission electron source in a vacuum environment; (c) forming a layer of field emission material at least on the surface of the carbon nanotube tip; (d) measuring a second current-voltage curve of the now-treated field emission electron source in the same conditions as that in the step (b); (e) achieving two Fowler-Nordheim curves calculated from the two current-voltage curves according to the Fowler-Nordheim equation; and (f) comparing the two Fowler-Nordheim curves and calculating the work function of the field emission material therefrom.