We have extended our integral measurement system with luminescent screen for pulsed field emission operation of planar cold cathodes. Since in dc operation typical power loads of some watts/cm(2) cause discharges by "phosphor" evaporation, the pulsed operation of cold cathodes up to some cm(2) size makes higher peak current densities achievable. Comparative results for dc and pulsed operations of metal-organic chemical-vapor deposition grown carbon nanotube samples on porous alumina are presented which demonstrate peak current densities up to 60 mA/cm(2). Moreover an improved emission uniformity results from peak power processing and afterglow effects. (c) 2006 American Vacuum Society.