Field electron emission measurements were performed on dielectric-coated tungsten emitters, with apex radii in the nanometer and micrometer range, which were prepared by electrochemical etching in NaOH solution. Measurements were performed in a field electron microscopy (FEM) with a base pressure <10 -6 Pascal (10 -8 mbar). Four different types of dielectric were used, namely: (1) Clark Electromedical Instruments epoxylite resin, (2) Epidian 6 produced by Ciech Sarzyna S. A., (3) a Radionox solution of colloidal graphite; and (4) Molyslip 2001 E compound (MoS 2 and MoS). Currentvoltage measurements and FEM images were used to investigate the characteristics of these composite emitters, and to assess how the different types of dielectric coating affect the suitability of the composite emitter as a potential electron source.

This investigation deals with the process of field electron emission from composite microemitters. Tested emitters consisted of a tungsten or carbon-fiber core, coated with a dielectric material. Two coating materials were used: (1) Clark Electromedical Instruments Epoxylite resin and (2) Epidian 6 Epoxy resin (based on bisphenol A). Various properties of these emitters were measured, including the current-voltage characteristics, which are presented as Fowler-Nordheim plots, and the corresponding electron emission images. A field electron microscope with a tip (cathode) to screen (anode) distance of 10 mm was used to electrically characterize the emitters. Measurements were carried out under ultrahigh vacuum conditions with a base pressure of 10 -6 Pascal (10 -8 mbar).