Flat-panel type picture display device with electron propagation ducts

A display device comprising a luminescent screen and means for selectively energizing predetermined areas of said screen, said means comprising:

• a. an arrangement of electron transport ducts, each having a plurality of exit apertures;
• b. means for promoting propagation of electrons within the ducts by recurrent electron interactions with secondary emission material;
• c. selection means for selectively extracting electrons from the exit apertures and including an apertured selection plate of insulating material bearing electrodes arranged in a predefined pattern on a side of the plate facing the screen;
• d. spacer means disposed between the apertured plate and the screen and including apertures in communication with respective ones of the apertures in the selection plate and means for establishing a predetermined potential gradient between said conductive pattern of electrodes and said screen.

A flat panel display device comprising:

• a. a face plate bearing a luminescent screen;
• b. a back plate;
• c. means connecting the back plate to the face plate to form a sealed enclosure;
• d. means for producing electrons;
• e. a selection structure including a plurality of apertured plates situated within the enclosure between the back plate and the face plate and having means for establishing a predetermined potential gradient for effecting propagation of the electrons through selected ones of the apertures and toward the screen, one of said apertured plates comprising a spacer plate having a first plurality of surface areas disposed adjacent a corresponding second plurality of surface areas of a second plate, one of said first and second pluralities of surface areas being coated with a material for ensuring contact with the other of said pluralities of surface areas to maintain said predetermined potential gradient despite incomplete abutment of the adjacent surface areas.