TiO2 nanotubes as a cold cathode for x-ray generation

Here we report on an x-ray source based on titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes grown by electrochemical oxidation. From the analysis of current-voltage characteristics of TiO2 electron emitter field emission nature of the current was confirmed. The threshold voltage and field enhancement factors were derived to be similar to 1.8 V/mu m and similar to 8363, respectively. The current density was similar to 4.0 mA/cm(2) at similar to 2.4 V/mu m. The stability tests showed that the current stayed stable within 6% for more than 720 h. TiO2 nanotubes were used as a cold cathode in x-ray tube and it was demonstrated that TiO2 nanotubes could be a good candidate for such applications. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3454244]