The present invention relates to gated nanorod field emission devices, wherein such devices have relatively small emitter tip-to-gate distances, thereby providing a relatively high emitter tip density and low turn on voltage. Such methods employ a combination of traditional device processing techniques (lithography, etching, etc.) with electrochemical deposition of nanorods. These methods are relatively simple, cost-effective, and efficient; and they provide field emission devices that are suitable for use in x-ray imaging applications, lighting applications, flat panel field emission display (FED) applications, etc.