An electron emitter includes a lower electrode formed on a glass substrate, an emitter section made of dielectric film formed on the lower electrode, and an upper electrode formed on the emitter section. A drive voltage for electron emission is applied between the upper electrode and the lower electrode. At least the upper electrode has a plurality of through regions through which the emitter section is exposed. The upper electrode has a surface which faces the emitter section in peripheral portions of the through regions and which is spaced from the emitter section.