A field emission cathode includes a first electron-emitting structure having a first cathode electrode (3), a first gate electrode (5), a first insulating layer (4) separating the first cathode electrode (3) from the first gate electrode (5), and at least one first emitter tip (9) disposed in a hole formed in the first gate electrode (5) and the first insulating layer (4) to expose a portion of the first cathode electrode (3); and a second electron-emitting structure surrounding and insulated from the first electron-emitting structure wherein the second electron-emitting structure has a second cathode electrode (6), a second gate electrode (8), a second insulating layer (7) separating the second cathode electrode (6) from the second gate electrode (8), and at least one second emitter tip (10) disposed in a hole formed in the second gate electrode (8) and the second insulating layer (7) to expose a portion of the second cathode electrode (6).