Field electron emission from single-crystal diamond particles

Electron field emission properties of single-crystal diamond particles synthesized at high pressures and high temperatures were investigated in order to achieve a higher emission current and to discuss the mechanism of electron emission. The emission current was measured by applying voltage between diamond particles and a glass plate anode coated with indium tin oxide thin film. Diamond particles were treated in plasma or by heating before measurement and arranged in various manners on a metal substrate with conductive silver glue. As a result, a higher emission current was obtained from diamond particles treated with hydrogen plasma. Directing a vertex of a diamond particle towards the anode led to a higher emission current. The emission current increased with the number of diamond particles arranged and varied with the distance between diamond particles and the anode at a constant applied voltage.