Operation of field emitter arrays under high dose rate gamma-ray irradiation

Robustness of field emitter arrays (FEA) against high dose rate gamma-ray irradiation was confirmed. The current-voltage characteristics of the FEA were investigated in a vacuum vessel developed for in situ measurements under the irradiation. Although slight increase of the gate current was observed under the irradiation, the insulating layer kept the electrical insulation. As a result, FEA showed the almost identical current-voltage characteristics under the 1.3 kGy h
^-1
gamma-ray irradiation.