Field emission device and method of operation

A field emission device comprising:

• a controllable layer defining a portion of an anode plate, the controllable layer having a plurality of mobile charges within;
• and
• means operably coupled to the controllable layer for controlling a distribution within the controllable layer of the plurality of mobile charges.

A method for operating a field emission device wherein the anode plate includes a controllable layer having a plurality of mobile charges, the method comprising the step of controlling a distribution within the controllable layer of the plurality of mobile charges.

A method for operating a field emission device having an electron emitter, a controllable layer disposed within an anode plate and defining a proximate surface and a distal surface, and a charge control electrode disposed on the distal surface of the controllable layer, the method comprising the steps of:

• causing the electron emitter to emit an electron current;
• and
• applying a potential to the charge control electrode in a manner sufficient to control a plurality of mobile charges in the controllable layer disposed within the anode plate.

A method for operating a field emission device having an anode plate including a glass layer having a plurality of mobile charges within, the method comprising the step of controlling a distribution within the glass layer of the plurality of mobile charges.

A method for operating a field emission device having an electron emitter, an anode plate including a glass layer defining a proximate surface and a distal surface, a cathode plate including a glass layer defining a proximate surface and a distal surface, a semiconductive layer disposed on the proximate surface of the glass layer of the cathode plate and operably coupled to the electron emitter for supplying electrons thereto, a charge control electrode disposed on the distal surface of the glass layer of the anode plate, and a charge control electrode disposed on the distal surface of the glass layer of the cathode plate, the method comprising the steps of:

• causing the electron emitter to emit an electron current;
• and
• applying a potential to the charge control electrode of the anode plate and the charge control electrode of the cathode plate in a manner sufficient to control the electron current.