US 5,710,483 A · Field emission device with micromesh collimator

Abstract

A structure is described in which subpixel-sized electron beams are formed by extraction from field emission microtips located on cathode columns over which orthogonally disposed gate lines have been laid. After accelerating past openings in said gate lines, all electrons originating from the same subpixel are made to pass through a single micromesh whose electric potential is more negative than that of the gate. This results in said electrons becoming collimated and forming a parallel beam which diverges only slightly before it reaches the phosphor screen (anode). A process for manufacturing this structure is also described. Said process does not require that the microtips and the micromesh be carefully aligned nor does the presence of the micromesh lead to any reduction in optical resolution. The problem of minimizing stress in the micromesh is also addressed.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A cold cathode field emission display comprising:

an insulating substrate;
cathode columns for said display, formed of parallel spaced conductors on said substrate;
a first dielectric layer on said cathode columns;
gate lines on said first dielectric layer, formed of parallel spaced conductors, over and orthogonal to, said cathode columns;
first openings, multiply located at all overlaps of said cathode columns and said gate lines, extending through said gate lines and through said first dielectric layer;
cone shaped field emission microtips on said cathode columns, each microtip being located inside one of said first openings;
a second dielectric layer, on the gate lines;
conductive focus lines, on said second dielectric layer, over said cathode columns;
second openings, in said second dielectric layer, singly located over said overlaps;
meshed electrodes, comprising holes in a membrane, formed from those parts of the focus lines that overlie said second openings;
and
a conductive phosphor screen located above the focus lines.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Field emission device with micromesh collimator

Life of this patent

Field emission device with micromesh collimator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21