Development and utilization of a retarding analyzer for eld emission investigation of La$B_{6}$/W emitter

Özet

A cold eld emission from La$B_{6}$/W-coated cathodes has been investigated with a high-accuracy and low-cost retarding eld analyzer instrument. Guidelines are provided for measurements of Fowler-Nordheim (FN) characteristics and total energy distributions using a single set-up and direct detection technique to address presumed shortages in sophisticated instrumental requirements for integral investigation. Electron emission from La$B_{6}$ nanoprotrusions, deposited on a tungsten microtip, was successfully investigated. Results emphasize a metallic behavior of the emitter in accordance with the FN theory. No size e ects were observed for protrusions of 300 nm in radii.