Field Emission Arrays from Graphite Fabricated by Laser Micromachining

Arrays of 4x4 conical shaped emitters were directly structured by laser micromaching. Assembled as an electron source with a spacer and Si-grid, they were investigated by means of IV-measurement in ultra-high vacuum. The IV-measurements of the sample show integral emission currents up to 10 µA at a voltage of 1000 V (11 MV/m). Initially, an ideal FN-behaviour is noticeable. The deviation for higher voltage values in the FN-plot is caused by the change of the work function, which was proven by numerical calculations.