Investigation of Nano-Structured White Carbon Films

White carbon films with sp(l)-hybridization of carbon were synthesized by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition. The surface morphology of the deposited film, which consisted of nano-grains and nano-fibers, was observed by scanning electron microscope. The x-ray diffraction peak at 2 theta=21.69 degrees corresponds to the (110) facet of beta modifications of white carbon material. The peak position at 283.2 eV in x-ray photoelectron spectrum represents binding energy of C-Is core level of sp(l)-hybridization of carbon. Field electron emission properties of the film were tested by using a diode structure in a vacuum chamber. The turn-on field of 2.3V/mu m and the emission current density of 360 mu A/cm(2) at electric field of 7V/mu m were obtained.