A method of fabricating a cathodic portion of a field emission display includes the steps of producing an array of substantially parallel carbon nanotubes attached at one end to a substantially planar substrate. Then, embedding the nanotubes in a polymer matrix that extends to a plane of attachment of the nanotubes to the planar substrate, wherein the polymer matrix allows an end of the nanotubes distal from the ends attached to the planar substrate, uncovered by the polymer matrix in order to allow electrical contact with each other and with an attached conductor. Next, detaching the array from the planar substrate, thus producing a surface having the formerly attached ends of the nanotubes substantially in a plane, and then attaching the conductor to the array of nanotube ends, uncovered by the polymer matrix and distal to the plane.