Patent ID: 6255772
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A large-area field emission device (""FED"") which is sealed tinder a predetermined level of vacuum pressure, comprising:a large-area substrate;an emitter electrode structure disposed on the substrate such that the emitter structure is disposed over a substantial portion of the substrate;a plurality of groups of micropoints, with each group of micropoints having a predetermined number of micropoints and with each group of micropoints being disposed at discrete positions on the emitter electrode structure:an insulating layer disposed over the substrate, with the insulating layer having openings therethrough that have a diameter within a predetermined range, and with each openings surrounding at least a portion a micropoint;an extraction structure disposed on the insulating layer, with the extraction structure having openings therethrough that have a diameter within a predetermined range, with each openings surrounding at least a portion of a micropoints; and with the openings in the extraction structure being aligned with openings in the insulating layer;a faceplate disposed above and spaced away from the extraction structure that is transparent to predetermined wavelengths of light;a first conductive layer disposed on a surface of the faceplate towards the extraction structure;a matrix member disposed on the first conductive layer, with the matrix member defining areas of the first conductive layer surface that are to serve as pixel areas, with the pixel areas being aligned with the micropoints of a group micropoints;cathodoluminescent material disposed on the first conductive layer in a plurality pixel areas, with the cathodoluminescent material at a particular pixel area being aligned to receive electrons emitted from the micropoints associated that pixel area; anda plurality of spacers disposed between the faceplate and the extraction structure at predetermined locations, with the spacers having different cross-sectional shapes at different locations commensurate with stresses such spacers will encounter caused by the vacuum pressure within the FED.