Patent ID: 6043103
Filing Date: 2000-03-28
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a field-emission cold cathode having a substrate having a sharply pointed emitter disposed on a surface thereof and serving as an emitter electrode, an insulating film disposed on said substrate, and a gate electrode disposed on said insulating film and having an opening defined therein and having an edge surrounding said emitter, said method comprising the steps of:forming a convex region on a silicon substrate using a mask disposed on said silicon substrate;forming a second oxide film as an insulating film on the surface of said silicon substrate to form a sharply pointed emitter from said convex region beneath said second oxide film;forming a first oxide film as an insulating film in said silicon substrate beneath said second oxide film, using a mask disposed on said second oxide film, said first oxide film having an inner end providing a step on said silicon substrate;forming a gate electrode on said second oxide film and having an opening defined therein and having an edge surrounding said emitter; andselectively etching said first oxide film and said second oxide film laterally in said opening to a position beyond said step for thereby defining a cavity between said gate electrode and said silicon substrate.