An X-ray generator using nano-diamond field emission devices

Abstract

Nano-diamond (ND) films with a grain size of 5-10 nm are regarded as a promising electrode material for electron emitters because the threshold electric fields required to obtain an emission current density of 1 mA/cm² have been reported to be less than 1 V/μm. Here, we developed a testing device of a soft x-ray generator utilizing an ND film as an electron emitter and evaluated its performance by measuring the ion quantity generated by the soft x-rays. The ion generation power of the device with an ND film was about 10 times higher than that of a conventional device with a hot filament when operated with the same power of 6 W. The experimental results confirmed the validity of usage of ND films as electron emitters for high-power and energy-saving soft x-ray generators.