Field emission cathode device and method of forming a field emission cathode device

A method of forming a field emission cathode device, comprising:

• disposing a gate electrode element in spaced-apart relation to a field emission surface of a cathode element so as to define a gap therebetween, the gate electrode element having a plurality of parallel grill members or a mesh structure laterally-extending between opposing anchored ends, the grill members or the mesh structure defining one or more open spaces;
• and
• engaging a film element with the gate electrode element, the film element laterally co-extending with the gate electrode element and defining one or more openings extending therethrough, such that the one or more openings correspond to the one or more open spaces of the gate electrode element, the one or more openings in the film element each having an area of less than an area of the corresponding open space defined by the gate electrode element, the film element engaged with the gate electrode element including the film element comprised of a conductive material and the film element being arranged to directly engage the gate electrode element, the film element thereby being arranged to allow electrons emitted from the field emission surface of the cathode element to pass therethrough, and to cooperate with the gate electrode element and the cathode element to form a substantially uniform electric field within the gap and about the field emission surface.