Semiconductor metal composite field emission cathodes

A process for producing a field emission cathode comprising the steps of:

• producing, from a eutectic composition of a silicon-based or germanium-based material and a metal, a composite boule comprising a matrix of said silicon-based or germanium-based material and an array of individual rods of an electrically conductive compound of silicon or germanium and said metal, wherein the mole ratio of said silicon-based or germanium-based material to said metal in sad boule is approximately equal to the mole ratio of said silicon-based or germanium-based material to said metal in said eutectic composition, said rods of said array are distributed throughout said matrix, and said rods of said array are disposed generally parallel to each other;
• cutting from said boule a composite body in which said rods of said array extend from a first major surface of said body to a second major surface of said body opposite said first major surface and are disposed generally normally to said first and second major surfaces of said body, with said rods each having a first end thereof exposed for emission at said first major surface and a second end exposed for ohmic contact at said second major surface;
• and
• etching a portion of said body to expose said first ends of said rods at said first major surface, and to produce a conical shape in said first ends.