Cathode Ray Tube Lighting Elements with Carbon Nanotube Field Emitters

Abstract

We have manufactured cathode ray tubes (CRTs) equipped with field emitters composed of multiwalled carbon nanotubes. The fabricated CRTs (20 mm in diameter by 74 mm in length) are of a triode type, consisting of a cathode (nanotube field emitter arrays), a grid and an anode (phosphor screen). The manufactured CRTs are lighting elements, which are assembled to form a giant outdoor display. Stable electron emission, adequate luminance and long life are demonstrated. The CRT lighting elements presented here are the first practical products utilizing carbon nanotubes on an industrial scale.