Field emission of electrons from single LaB6 nanowires

Straight single-crystalline (001)-oriented LaB6 nanowires with widths ranging from 15 nm to more than 100 nm were synthesized using CVD method. Field-emission measurements on a single LaB6 nanowire showed a high emission current density of 5 × 105 Acm-2 was achieved at a voltage below 800 V and emission area equal to 6.4 nm2. These nanowires are terminated with {100} surfaces and offer improved structure as point electron sources. The low work function and low dimensionality of LaB6 nanowires offer better prospects for making improved point electron sources.