Process for the production of a display means by cathodoluminescence excited by field emission

A process of producing a display means by cathodoluminescence comprising the successive steps of:

• (a) depositing a first, conductive coating on an insulating substrate,
• (b) etching the first coating to form first parallel conductive strips serving as cathodes,
• (c) depositing a second, insulating coating on the structure obtained in step (b),
• (d) depositing a third, conductive coating on the second coating,
• (e) making holes through the third and second coatings, said holes being distributed over the entire surface of the third and second coatings,
• (f) depositing on the third coating a fourth coating not covering the holes,
• (g) depositing on the structure obtained in step (f) a fifth coating of an electron emitting material,
• (h) eliminating the fourth coating to thereby eliminate the electron emitting material surmounting said fourth coating and maintaining said emitting material in the holes,
• (i) etching the third and second coatings to expose at least one of the ends of the first conductive strips,
• (j) etching the third coating to form second parallel conductive strips serving as grids intersecting the first strips, without regard to location of the holes, and
• (k) placing a facing anode and cathodoluminescent material on the second conductive strips.