Abstract:
The effect of vacuum level on field emission from nanographite films obtained by plasma-chemical deposition is studied. The stable emission of electrons from the nanographite is observed at a threshold field of 1–2 V/$\mu$m, a current density of 0.1 mA/cm$^2$, and a residual gas pressure in the measuring chamber of less than 10$^{-5}$ Torr. At a higher pressure, the emission properties of the films gradually degrade with time. Repeat evacuation of the chamber to 10$^{-5}$ Torr restores the emission properties. Such behavior of the nanographite emitters is explained by adsorption/desorption processes (reversible degradation of the emission) and the destruction of the film under the action of residual gas ion bombardment (irreversible changes).
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