Development and utilization of a retarding analyzer for field emission investigation of LaB6/W emitter

A cold field emission from LaB6/W-coated cathodes has been investigated with a high-accuracy and low-cost retarding field 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 LaB6 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 effects were observed for protrusions of 300 nm in radii.