Patent ID: 6373174
Filing Date: 2002-04-16
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A field emission device comprising:a substrate; a plurality of electron emitters supported by the substrate, wherein the plurality of electron emitters emit electrons; a dielectric layer disposed on the substrate, wherein the dielectric layer has a major surface, and wherein the major surface is proximately disposed to the plurality of electron emitters; a surface passivation layer that is impervious to chemical disassociation from impinging ions, electrons, and associated release of deleterious gases and including electron and ion passivating properties disposed on the major surface of the dielectric layer, wherein the surface passivation layer protects the dielectric layer against electron and ion bombardment, and wherein the surface passivation layer is comprised of at least one of: tantalum nitride, tantalum oxynitride, diamond-like carbon or a noble metal; and an anode spaced apart from the substrate and disposed to receive electrons emitted by the plurality of electron emitters.