A field emission cold cathode is disclosed which comprises a first thin film formed of an emitting material and second thin films differing in composition from the first thin film, wherein the second thin films are superposed one each on the main surfaces of the first thin film to form a laminated structure, the lateral sides of the laminated structure expose the lateral end parts of the first thin film and the second thin films, and the exposed end parts of the first thin film emit electrons under an electric field. A method for the production of the cold cathode is also disclosed.