Complex methodology for studying the emission properties of multi-tip field cathodes with online data processing

The paper presents a description of a comprehensive technique developed for a multilateral study of the properties of large area field emitters (LAFEs). The main advantages of the technique are the use of various high voltage power supply modes and online analysis of the recorded signals. The technique includes not only the registration of standard emission parameters, but also the analysis of related phenomena -luminescence patterns and mass spectrometric data. In addition, the methodology includes checking the correspondence of the cathode operation mode to classical cold field emission, based on the latest theoretical developments, and computer simulation using COMSOL and LabVIEW packages.