Thin-film emitter based on a tungsten-DLC multilayer

Abstract

Nanostructure emitters are an alternative low-power approach to generate electrons and provide control of the electron energy, digital control, and a small device size compared to that of conventional thermal emitters. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been intensively investigated and reported to have excellent properties due to their high aspect ratio, high thermal conductivity, and chemical inertness. However, manufactured CNTs have uniformity issues, and this leads to problems with the characterization of X-ray tubes, including their current and lifetime. In this study, we propose a new cold cathode emitter based on a tungsten and diamond-like carbon multilayer with a sapphire supported plate to ensure durability and a homogeneous manufactured structure. We conducted the deposition of the emitter components at the nanoscale by using a homemade high vacuum system to demonstrate its viability for X-ray sources. A numerical simulation was also conducted to demonstrate its viability.