Abstract:
A cold cathode field emission display is described. A key feature of its design is that each individual microtip has its own ballast resistor. The latter is formed from a resistive layer that has been interposed between the cathode line and the substrate. When openings for the microtips are formed in the gate line, extending down as far as the resistive layer, an overetching step is introduced. This causes the dielectric layer to be substantially undercut immediately above the resistive layer thereby creating an annular resistor positioned between the gate line and the base of the microtip.
Abstract:
Method of making a field emitter device with submicron low work function emission tips without using photolithography. The method includes depositing in situ by evaporating or sputtering a discontinuous etch mask comprising randomly located discrete nuclei. In one embodiment an ion etch is applied to a low work function material covered by a discontinuous mask to form valleys in the low work function material with pyramid shaped emission tips therebetween. In another embodiment an ion etch is applied to an electrically conductive base material covered by a discontinuous mask to form valleys in the base material with pyramid shaped base tips therebetween. The base material is then coated with a low work function material to form emission tips thereon.
Abstract:
Spindt-type field-emission cathodes for use in electric propulsion (EP) systems having self- assembling nanostructures that can repeatedly regenerate damaged cathode emitter nanotips. A nanotip is created by applying a negative potential near the surface of a liquefied base metal to create a Taylor cone converging to a nanotip, and solidifying the Taylor cone for use as a field- emission cathode. When the nanotip of the Taylor cone becomes sufficiently blunted or damaged to affect its utility, the base metal is re-liquefied by application of a heat source, a negative potential is reapplied to the surface of the base metal to recreate the Taylor cone, and a new nanotip is generated by solidifying the base metal.
Abstract:
A field emission device (1) may be used for emitting electrons in, for example, a field emission display (FED). Field emission tips (40) are used for the emitting of electrons in the field emission device (1). In operation of the field emission device (1) a voltage is applied between a first electrode (4) having electrical contact with the field emission tip (40) and a second electrode (34) to make the field emission tip (40) emit electrons. To form a field emission tip (40) a layer of liquid material is applied on a substrate (2) provided with the first electrode (4). The layer of liquid material is embossed with a patterned stamp and subsequently cured to form a field emission tip structure (20). A conductive film (38) is applied on the field emission tip structure (20) to form a field emission tip (40) that has electrical contact with the first electrode (4).
Abstract:
Diamond microtip field emitters (25) are fabricated for use in diode and triode vacuum microelectronic devices, sensors and displays. Ultra-sharp emitter tips are formed in a fabrication process in which diamond is deposited into mold cavities in a two step deposition sequence. During deposition of the diamond, the graphite content is carefully controlled to enhance emission performance. The tips or the emitters (25) may be treated by post fabrication processes, such as sharpening or doping with gold.
Abstract:
A method of making sub-micron low work function field emission tips (32, 66) without using photolithography. The method includes physical vapor deposition of randomly located discrete nuclei to form a discontinuous etch mask (20, 50). In one embodiment an etch is applied to low work function material (14) covered by randomly located nuclei to form emission tips (32) in the low work function material (14). In another embodiment an etch is applied to base material (44) covered by randomly located nuclei to form tips (58) in the base material (44) which are then coated with low work function material (60) to form emission tips (66). Diamond is the preferred low work function material (14, 60).
Abstract:
A field emission device includes a substrate and a plurality of wires embedded in the substrate. The plurality of wires has at least a field emitter cathode wire; a control grid wire array; and a collector anode array. The field emitter cathode wire, control grid wire array, and collector anode array are embedded in and extend through a nonconductive substrate matrix. A method for making a vacuum field emission device is also disclosed.