In this paper, the production technology of field emission cathodes based on ball-milled carbon fibers is presented. The method is to use carbon fiber powder with optimal particle size. For the powder deposition on the cathode base, a screen-printing technique has been applied. The cathode structure obtained can provide significant electric field enhancement. The field emission properties of these cathodes are reported. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.