Light-insensitive resistor for current-limiting of field emission displays
AssigneeMicron Technology, Inc.
InventorsDavid A. Cathey JR., Kevin W. Tjaden, Behnam Moradi, John K. Lee, James J. Alwan
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Abstract
A semiconductor device for use in field emission displays includes a substrate formed from a semiconductor material, glass, soda lime, or plastic. A first layer of a conductive material is formed on the substrate. A second layer of microcrystalline silicon is formed on the first layer. This layer has characteristics that do not fluctuate in response to conditions that vary during the operation of the field emission display, particularly the varying light intensity from the emitted electrons or from the ambient. One or more cold-cathode emitters are formed on the second layer.
Claims22
A semiconductor device, comprising:
- a substrate;
- a first layer of a conductive material formed on said substrate;
- a second layer of microcrystalline silicon formed on said first layer;
- and
- one or more cold-cathode emitters formed on said second layer.
A field emission display, comprising:
- a substrate;
- a first layer of conductive material formed on said substrate;
- a second layer of microcrystalline silicon formed on said first layer;
- a plurality of cold-cathode emitters formed on said second layer;
- a grid spaced a first predetermined distance from said emitters and having a plurality of openings that are each aligned with one of said emitters;
- a display screen that is spaced a second predetermined distance from said grid and that has an inner surface facing said grid;
- and
- a cathodoluminescent material that is formed on said inner surface.
A method for forming a semiconductor structure, comprising:
- forming on a substrate a conductive layer;
- forming on said conductive layer a resistive layer of microcrystalline silicon;
- and
- forming on said resistive layer at least one cold-cathode emitter.
An apparatus for displaying a video image, comprising:
- a video processing circuit that is operable to receive a video signal and to generate a display signal from said video signal;
- a field emission display operable to receive said display signal and to generate said video image from said display signal, said field emission display including,
- a substrate,
- a conductive layer formed on said substrate,
- a resistive layer of microcrystalline silicon formed on said conductive layer,
- a plurality of cold-cathode emitters formed on said resistive layer,
- a grid spaced a first predetermined distance from said emitters and having a plurality of openings that are each aligned with at least one of said emitters,
- a display screen that is spaced a second predetermined distance from said grid and that has an inner surface facing said grid, and
- a cathodoluminescent material that is formed on said inner surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.