Abstract:
A field emission cathode for use in flat panel displays is disclosed comprising a layer of conductive material and a layer of amorphic diamond film, functioning as a low effective work-function material, deposited over the conductive material to form emission sites. The emission sites each contain at least two sub-regions having differing electron affinities. Use of the cathode to form a computer screen is also disclosed along with the use of the cathode to form a fluorescent light source.
Abstract:
In accordance with the invention, a field emission device is made by disposing emitter material on an insulating substrate, applying masking particles to the emitter material, applying an insulating film and a gate conductor film over the masking particles and emitter material and removing the particles to reveal a random distribution of apertures to the emitter material. The result is a novel and economical field emission device having numerous randomly distributed emission apertures which can be used to make low cost flat panel displays.
Abstract:
A display device for use in conjunction with a computer system includes a cathode having a layer of conductive material and a layer of low-effective work function material deposited over the conductive material wherein the low-effective work function material has an emission surface comprising a plurality of distributed localized electron emission sites. The emission sites may have electrical properties which are discontinuous from each other. The emission surface may be relatively flat.
Abstract:
Applicants have discovered methods for making, treating and using diamonds which substantially enhance their capability for low voltage emission. Specifically, applicants have discovered that defect-rich diamonds--diamonds grown or treated to increase the concentration of defects--have enhanced properties of low voltage emission. Defect-rich diamonds are characterized in Raman spectroscopy by a diamond peak at 1332 cm.sup.-1 broadened by a full width at half maximum .DELTA.K in the range 5-15 cm.sup.-1 (and preferably 7-11 cm.sup.-1). Such defect-rich diamonds can emit electron current densities of 0.1 mA/mm.sup.2 or more at a low applied field of 25 V/.mu.m or less. Particularly advantageous structures use such diamonds in an array of islands or particles each less than 10 .mu.m in diameter at fields of 15 V/.mu.m or less.
Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to a new integrated Vacuum Microelectronic Device (VMD) and a method for making the same. Vacuum Microelectronic Devices require several unique three dimensional structures: a sharp field emission tip, accurate alignment of the tip inside a control grid structure in a vacuum environment, and an anode to collect electrons emitted by the tip. Also disclosed is a new structure and a process for forming diodes, triodes, tetrodes, pentodes and other similar structures. The final structure made can also be connected to other similar VMD devices or to other electronic devices.
Abstract:
A system and method is available for fabricating a field emitter device, where in an emitter material, such as copper, is deposited over a resistive layer which has been deposited upon a substrate. Two ion beam sources are utilized. The first ion beam source is directed at a target material, such as molybdenum, for sputtering molybdenum onto the emitter material. The second ion beam source is utilized to etch the emitter material to produce cones or micro-tips. A low work function material, such as amorphous diamond, is then deposited over the micro-tips.
Abstract:
In accordance with the present invention, a field emission device is made by pre-activating ultra-fine diamond particles before applying them to the device substrate. This initial pre-activation increases manufacturing speed and reduces cost and reduces potential damage to the device substrate from exposure to high temperature hydrogen plasma.
Abstract:
In one electron-emitting device, non-insulating particle bonding material (24) securely bonds electron-emissive carbon-containing particles (22) to an underlying non-insulating region (12). The carbon in each carbon-containing particle is in the form of diamond, graphite, amorphous carbon, or/and silicon carbide. In another electron-emitting device, electron-emissive pillars (22/28) overlie a non-insulating region (12). Each pillar is formed with an electron-emissive particle (22) and an underlying non-insulating pedestal (28).
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing an electric field emission type device. A recess having a tapered surface at an upper portion of the recess is provided. A sacrificial film is deposited on the substrate with the tapered recess. A sharp cusp is therefore formed on the surface of the sacrificial film over the recess. An electron emitting material film is deposited on the sacrificial film to form a fine emitter with a sharp tip. This fine emitter is exposed by etching and removing unnecessary regions under the fine emitter. This manufacturing method realizes a high performance electric field emission type device having an emitter tip with a small radius of curvature and a small apex angle.
Abstract:
A field emission cathode is provided which includes a substrate and a conductive layer disposed adjacent the substrate. An electrically resistive pillar is disposed adjacent the conductive layer, the resistive pillar having a substantially flat surface spaced from and substantially parallel to the substrate. A layer of diamond is disposed adjacent the surface of the resistive pillar.