Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were successfully synthesized by using a modified pulsed laser deposition (PLD) process, in which the laser ejected carbon species were directly collected by silicon substrates. A catalyst layer is needed in this process. The morphology of catalyst clusters varies with the heat treatment process which, in turn, alters the morphology and field emission properties of the CNTs pronouncedly. Compared with the conventional laser ablation process, such a modified PLD process is simpler, has better collection efficiently, and has a higher production rate. The CNTs thus obtained exhibit superior field emission electron properties, viz. J(e)= 160 muA/cm(2) and E-0=1.76V/mum.