Advances in Novel Low-Macroscopic Field Emission Electrode Design Based on Fullerene-Doped Porous Silicon

Perspective low-macroscopic field (LMF) emission prototype cathodes based on fullerene C-60-doped porous silicon were realized via a two-stage technique comprising the electrochemical etching process of a monocrystalline silicon wafer and functionalization of the acquired porous silicon (PS) matrix with silver-doped fullerene-based carbon structures. The resulting LMF cathode prototypes were studied with SEM and EDS techniques. The formation of an amorphous silver-doped C-60-based layer consisting of nanosized aggregates on the matrix surface was established. The emission characteristics of the prototypes were analyzed, crucial parameters including threshold field strength values, emission current density, and effective potential barrier height for electrons were considered. A novel LMF emission model is suggested. It was established that the emitter prototypes realized during this study are on par with or superior to modern and promising field cathodes.

Automated summary

The study successfully produced prototype cathodes based on fullerene C-60-doped porous silicon, which were realized through a two-stage process involving electrochemical etching of a silicon wafer and functionalization with silver-doped fullerene-based carbon structures. SEM and EDS techniques revealed the formation of an amorphous silver-doped C-60-based layer on the matrix surface. The emission characteristics of the prototypes were analyzed, showing superior performance in threshold field strength and emission current density.