Field-emission fluorescent lamp using carbon nanotubes on a wire-type cold cathode and a reflecting anode

Wire-type cold cathode was prepared by direct growth of carbon nanotube (CNT) on stainless-steel wire using thermal chemical vapor deposition. By varying the growth temperature, gas flow direction, and reactant gas mixture, improved field-emission uniformity and stability were achieved. The results show that the CNT cathodes grown by H-2/C2H2 mixture exhibit better current stability than those grown by Ar/C2H2 mixture. Fully sealed fluorescent lamps have been fabricated using wire-type CNT cold cathode. Luminescent efficiencies of 37 and 21 lm/W were obtained for the fully sealed lamps with green and white phosphor screens. (C) 2008 American Vacuum Society.