A kind of photosensitive carbon nanotube slurry is disclosed. The photosensitive carbon nanotube slurry includes a first mixture and a second mixture. The first mixture includes carbon nanotubes, conducting particles, and a first organic carrier. The second mixture includes a photo polymerization monomer, a photo initiator, and a second organic carrier. The weight percentage of the first mixture and the second mixture ranges from about 50% to about 80% and about 20% to about 50%, respectively. Methods for making the photosensitive carbon nanotube slurry and methods for making cathode emitters using the photosensitive carbon nanotube slurry are also disclosed.