Samples of reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) and paste graphite film have been evaluated for field-emission properties both before and after surface modification. The RVC has been treated using an open-air laser method. The graphite has been treated using an Ar-ion flood bombardment method. Both methods result in a change in surface morphology of the emission cathode which physically resembles results obtained using current or voltage stress treatment methods. Emission properties become more uniform, exhibit less noise, and, in the best cases, match results seen from carbon nanotubes or ultra-nanocrystalline diamond cathodes. The results demonstrate a method for obtaining large total currents at optimal extraction voltages, from large-area, low-cost cathodes. This method is useful for applications, such as field-emission lamps and x-ray tubes, which do not require nanofabricated, lithographically-patterned cathode structures. (c) 2005 American Vacuum Society.