Patent ID: 6869855

Claim:
A method for manufacturing a pair of electrodes, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing a substrate having a substantially flat surface; b) placing a first layer over a surface of said substrate, wherein said first layer comprises a first material that is suitable for use as a first electrode; c) placing a second layer over said first layer, wherein said second layer comprises a material that is suitable for use as a second electrode; d) placing a third layer over said second layer, wherein said third material has a thermal expansion coefficient that is different to the thermal expansion coefficient of said substrate, whereby a composite is formed; e) enclosing said composite in a housing; f) introducing a low work function material into a region enclosed by said housing; g) altering a thermal environment of said composite, causing said composite to open between said first and second electrode; and h) further altering the thermal environment within said housing, causing said low work function material to vaporize into a space formed between said first and said second electrode.