White carbon films were synthesized by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition. Irregular flakiness microstructure consisting of nanocrystalline grains of the as-grown film was observed by scanning electron microscope. The films have a metallic gray to white color, with reflectivity of 12.56%-21.58% in the visible region. The diffraction line at 2 theta=21.6 degrees (d=0.4107 nm), shown in x-ray diffraction spectrum of the film, corresponds to the (110) facet of beta modifications of white carbon. The peak position at 283.46 eV in the x-ray photoelectron spectrum represents binding energy of C-1s core level of sp(1) hybridization of carbon. Field electron emission characteristics of the film were tested. A turn-on field of 3.5 V/mu m was obtained. (c) 2007 American Vacuum Society.