Fabrication of free-standing carbon-nanotube- (CNT) array films supported by PDMS (poly-dimethylsiloxane) matrix, which opens up the possibility to transform deliberate CNT-array architecture into flexible electronic and photonic components, is reported. Low viscosity and good wetting characteristics of uncured PDMS prepolymer solution are important for thorough infiltration, and robustness and elasticity of cured PDMS are important for realization of deformable free-standing films detachable from substrates. Field-emission characterization of a series of CNT column arrays in diode configuration shows that fabrication of a flexible electron emitter is feasible, but the excellent emission characteristics of as-grown CNT column arrays is compromised after PDMS infiltration. In particular, emission current level and stability of a free-standing PDMS-supported CNT array is inferior to those of as-grown or PDMS-infiltrated CNT arrays on silicon substrates. (c) 2008 American Vacuum Society.