A high current density field emission source with high brightness could have many applications in science, medicine and engineering. High field emission current densities have been demonstrated from a large-area, Ar-ion irradiated, reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) cathode, in a triode configuration. The RVC cathode contains many small nanowires, <50nm in diameter, that serve as excellent field emission tips. The field modification generated by a voltage applied to a grid electrode placed around the cathode increases emission at a given cathode potential. This triode configuration is robust and inexpensive.
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