Field-emission properties of Al:ZnO whisker emitters with various crystallite radii of curvature

The field-emission properties of Al:ZnO whisker emitters were investigated by varying the crystallite radius of curvature. The crystallite radius of curvature could be varied by adjusting the concentration of the reactant of aluminum as a dopant. When the crystallite radius of curvature Was decreased from 155 to 46 rim, the electric field necessary to obtain a Current density of 100 mu A/cm(2) decreased from the range of 6.1 to 8.7 to the range of 4.4 to 5.1 V/mu m. In addition, when the crystallite radius of curvature was decreased to 25 nm. the electric field necessary to obtain a Current density of 100 mu A/cm(2) decreased to 3.6 V/ pill. The crystallite radius of curvature and the crystalline density during the field emission affected the electric field necessary to obtain it cathode Current density of 100 mu A/cm(2).