Method for making a carbon nanotube-based field emission display

A method for making a carbon nanotube-based field emission display, comprising steps of:

• providing an insulative layer having a first surface;
• depositing a protective layer on the insulative layer;
• depositing a layer of catalyst on the protective layer;
• forming a spacer having a plurality of openings therein such that patterned areas of the layer of catalyst are exposed in the openings;
• forming arrays of carbon nanotubes extending from the layer of catalyst in the patterned areas;
• forming a cathode electrode on a top of each of the arrays of carbon nanotubes;
• forming a base having an inner contour mates with an outer contour of the cathode electrodes and the spacer so as to couple to the cathode electrodes and spacer;
• forming gate electrodes on a second, opposite surface of the insulative layer offset from the patterned areas;
• removing portions of the protective layer and the insulative layer corresponding to the arrays of carbon nanotubes so as to expose the arrays of carbon nanotubes;
• and
• attaching an anode electrode having a phosphor screen to the above obtained structure.

A method of making a carbon nanotube-based field emission display, comprising steps of:

• providing a catalyst layer;
• forming a barrier on the catalyst layer;
• growing arrays of carbon nanotubes beside the barrier on the catalyst layer;
• applying a cathode electrode upon the arrays of carbon nanotubes under a condition that the cathode electrode is supported by the barrier;
• removing portions of the catalyst layer;
• providing a gate electrode under the arrays of carbon nanotubes;
• and
• locating an anode electrode spatially away from the arrays of carbon nanotubes, opposite to the cathode electrode.