Intense electron emission of SiC nanowires cathode used in high power microwave

Experimental study on the electron emission of silicon carbide nanowires cathode samples fabricated by the pyrolysis of polycarbosilane at 1 200 ℃ was carried out. The results show that the silicon carbide nanowires cathode has higher electron emission current density, which is 23.7 kA/cm2 at the condition of 115 kV stimulation voltage and 10 mm distance between the cathode and anode, compared to 14.0 kA/cm2 for the velvet cathode. Also, it emits electron beams of better quality and has longer service life.