Emission properties of cathodes based on B–N–C as a result of laser processing

Emission properties of cathodes produced under the action of laser radiation are presented. Cathodes were fabricated in nitrogen flow as a result of surface modification induced by laser treatment of the compacted samples of fine-grained graphite-like h-BN powders and 25 wt.% lamp black composite. Optical and scanning electron microscopes revealed new structures and morphologies on the surface of samples formed due to the interaction of plume of ionized B, C and N with nitrogen ambient. X-ray diffraction (XRD) study demonstrated complicated phase composition of the precipitates formed by B–N–C composite after heating by laser beam. ► Laser processing was used to fabricate an emission cathode based on B–N–C. ► Crystalline and amorphous phases based on boron nitride and carbon were formed on feedstock powder. ► Formation of carbon-bearing nanostructures cathodes results in the rise of emission properties.