In this paper, we propose the novel branched carbon nanotubes (B-CNTs) as efficient candidate for field emission applications. We believe that the double-stage structure of B-CNTs, beside formation of multiple thin branches at the apex of each vertical CNT, is responsible for the observed enhanced field emission behavior in B-CNTs. In this regard, we have derived an analytical model to evaluate the field enhancement factor (beta) of the B-CNTs in comparison with CNTs, as the most popular cathode for field emission applications in the scientific society. The presented model also allows investigating the effect of different structural parameters on the field emission characteristic. We have also, compared the field emission characteristics of the B-CNTs with vertical CNTs experimentally. We observed a beta value for B-CNTs which was around three times higher than CNTs. The observed enhancement in the experimental data was in good agreement with the presented analytical model. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.