In situ study of field emission vacuum breakdown of individual multi-wall carbon nanotube

Abstract

The vacuum breakdown critical condition of individual carbon nanotube (CNT) during field emission was investigated experimentally using the in-situ field emission combined scanning electron microscope system. The results showed that the critical breakdown electric field of CNT was related to its length and diameter. CNT which has a shorter length and larger diameter could bear higher electric field. The underlying mechanism was attributed to the heat dissipation ability of CNT. A smaller length and larger diameter CNT has better heat dissipation. The results met with the theoretical calculations and helped to understand the physics mechanism of vacuum breakdown of CNT during field emission in a visual perspective.