Amp\`ere-Class Pulsed Field Emission from Carbon-Nanotube Cathodes in a Radiofrequency Resonator

TL;DR

This study demonstrates pulsed field emission from carbon-nanotube cathodes in a 1.3-GHz RF cavity, achieving high average current and providing insights into their potential for high-current electron sources.

Contribution

First experimental demonstration of pulsed field emission from carbon nanotube cathodes in a radiofrequency resonator with detailed characterization.

Findings

Achieved nearly 0.7 A average current in RF pulsed emission.

Measured Fowler-Nordheim characteristics and transverse emittance.

Compared experimental results with numerical simulations.

Abstract

Pulsed field emission from cold carbon-nanotube cathodes placed in a radiofrequency resonant cavity was observed. The cathodes were located on the backplate of a conventional $1+\frac{1}{2}$-cell resonant cavity operating at 1.3-GHz and resulted in the production of bunch train with maximum average current close to 0.7 Amp\`ere. The measured Fowler-Nordheim characteristic, transverse emittance, and pulse duration are presented and, when possible, compared to numerical simulations. The implications of our results to high-average-current electron sources are briefly discussed.