Optical devices such as flat-panel cathode ray tube, having raised black matrix

An optical device comprising:

• first and second plates having respective interior surfaces that face, and are spaced apart from, each other;
• a pattern of ridges situated over the interior surface of the first plate, each ridge comprising a dark region that consists primarily of at least one of metal, ceramic, semiconductor, and carbide;
• a plurality of light-emissive regions situated over the interior surface of the first plate in spaces between the ridges, the first plate being transparent at least in portions extending under the light-emissive regions, the ridges extending further away from the first plate than the light-emissive regions;
• an array of laterally separated sets of electron-emissive elements situated over the interior surface of the second plate, light being produced by the light-emissive regions upon receiving electrons from the electron-emissive elements, the ridges being substantially non-emissive of light relative to the light-emissive regions when the ridges receive electrons from the electron-emissive elements;
• and
• supporting structure that supports the plates and keeps them spaced apart from each other.