A method of fabricating an anode plate 40 having a multiplicity of grooves 50 for use in a field emission flat panel display device comprises the steps of providing a transparent planar substrate 42 having a plurality of electrically conductive, parallel stripes 46 comprising the anode electrode of the device; etching a plurality of grooves 50 in the surface of the substrate in the spaces between the stripes 46; and then applying phosphor material 48.sub.R, 48.sub.G and 48.sub.B over the stripes 46. In one embodiment, a plurality of grooves 50', having generally vertical sidewalls, are formed in the upper surface of planar substrate 42' at the interstices of conductors 46. In a second embodiment, a plurality of grooves 50", having generally curved sidewalls, are formed in the upper surface of planar substrate 42' at the interstices of conductors 46'. In a third embodiment, a plurality of grooves 50", having generally vertical sidewalls, are formed in the upper surface of an insulating material 52 located between conductors 46". In a fourth embodiment, a plurality of grooves 50'", having generally curved sidewalls, are formed in the upper surface of an insulating material 52' between conductors 46'". In a fifth embodiment, a plurality of grooves are formed in the upper surface of planar substrate 100, and insulating material 108 is applied over the grooves. In a sixth embodiment, a plurality of grooves are formed in both the surface of the planar substrate 120 and the surface of insulating material 128.