EFFECT OF LACOMIT FILMS ON COLD-CATHODE HOT-ELECTRON EMISSION

Abstract
The effect of lacomit dielectric films on the emission properties of microemitters has been studied. It is observed that such films enhance field electron emission from metal-insulator-vacuum (M-I-V) microstructures. It is found that this cathode switches-on at low applied fields and acquires a subsequent reversible I-V characteristics and reasonably stable emission currents. Energy distribution measurements performed with a retarding potential energy analyser and with a high resolution electrostatic deflection electron energy analyser show that the distribution is broadened and shifted significantly to lower energy. These characteristics have been qualitatively explained in terms of a hot-electron emission mechanism.