Films with discrete nano-DLC-particles as the field emission cascade.

Films with discrete diamond-like-carbon (DLC) nanoparticles were prepared by the deposition of the carbon nanoparticle beam. Their morphologies were imaged by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The nanoparticles were found to be distributed on the silicon (1 0 0) substrate discretely. Hemispherical shapes of the nanoparticles were demonstrated by the AFM line profile. Electron energy loss spectra were measured and an sp3 ratio as high as 86% was found. Field-induced electron emission of the as-prepared cascade (nanoDLC/ Si) was tested and a current density of 1 mA cm[?]2 was achieved at 10.2 V µm[?]1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]