Electron field emission from carbon nanotubes in air for excitation of atmospheric pressure microplasma.
Electron field emission (FE) from carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in air for excitation of atmospheric pressure microplasma was investigated in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that, the FE properties of CNTs at 10 kPa and lower pressures were the same as those in vacuum. At pressures more than 10 kPa, the FE threshold voltages in air were higher than those in vacuum and increased with increasing air pressure. When the FE threshold voltage became higher than the gas breakdown voltage, microplasma was ignited before FE appearance. FE properties of CNTs were stable in air before appearing gas discharges.
Department of Electronic and Photonic Systems Engineering, Kochi University of Technology, 185 Miyanokuchi, Tosayamada-cho, Kami-city, Kochi 782-8502, Japan.
Q
Q
Zou
A
A
Hatta