Matrix addressable display with electrostatic discharge protection

A field emission display, comprising:

• a baseplate comprising:
• a substrate having a surface on which a layer of conductive material is formed;
• a plurality of emitters mounted on the substrate and coupled to the conductive material;
• an extraction grid positioned adjacent to the substrate, the extraction grid having a plurality of openings aligned with respective emitters;
• a dielectric material between the conductive material and coupled between the conductive material and the extraction grid;
• and
• an electrostatic discharge device integrally formed with the baseplate, the electrostatic discharge device coupled between at least some of the emitters and the extraction grid, the electrostatic discharge device being operable to conduct current when a voltage differential between the extraction grid and respective emitter has a magnitude that exceeds a maximum voltage wherein the electrostatic discharge device comprises a diode fabricated in the dielectric material and coupled between the conductive material and the extraction grid;
• and
• a faceplate positioned opposite and in parallel with the baseplate, the faceplate comprising:
• a transparent viewing screen;
• a layer of transparent conductive material coating a surface of the transparent viewing screen facing the emitters;
• and
• a layer of cathodoluminescent material coating the layer of transparent conductive material.