Patent ID: 6081246
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: G09G,H01J

Abstract:
A field emission device system, comprising:a substrate;a first electrically conductive structure disposed on the substrate;electron emitting structures disposed on, and extending up from, the first electrically conductive structure at predetermined locations;an insulating layer disposed on the first electrically conductive structure, with the insulating layer having an opening therein for receiving and surrounding each electron emitting structure;a second electrically conductive structure disposed on the insulating layer, with the second electrically conductive layer having an opening aligned with each opening in the insulating layer and an opening in the second electrically conductive structure surrounds an electron emitting structure;a light transmissive faceplate disposed a predetermined distance above the second electrically conductive structure;a third electrically conductive structure disposed on a surface of the faceplate toward the second electrically conductive structure;phosphor material disposed at predetermined areas of a surface of the third electrically conductive structure toward the second electrically conductive structure with the phosphor material being capable of emitting light when excited by electrons;a matrix structure disposed on the surface of the third electrically conductive structure toward the second conductive structure between the adjacent phosphor material areas;spacer means connected to the faceplate and the second electrically conductive structure for maintaining a fixed, predetermined spacing between the faceplate and the second electrically conductive structure; anda controller connected that is electrically connected to the first, second, and third conductive structures for controllably providing a first voltage to the first electrically conductive structure, an adjustable second voltage to the second electrically conductive structure, and an adjustable third voltage to the third electrically conductive structure, with the first voltage being at a predetermined level, the second and third voltages being more positive than the first voltage, and the second and third voltages being separately adjustable so that an adjustment causing a voltage change in one of the second and third voltages can be made without causing a corresponding voltage change in the other of the second and third voltages, the second and third voltages being adjustable in respective ranges to effect an electron emission stream from each electron emitting structure that is controllable with regard to an area of phosphor material upon which a particular electron emission stream impinges.