Patent ID: 7995952

Claim:
An electron emitter array comprising: a plurality of nanostructures configured in an array having a density of less than about 10 9 nanostructures/cm 2 , each of the plurality of nanostructures comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to a first electrode and the second end is positioned to emit electrons, wherein each of the plurality of nanostructures is formed of one or more of oxidation resistant metals, doped metals, metal alloys, metal oxides, doped metal oxides, and ceramics, and wherein at least one portion of each nanostructure comprises one or more barrier layer coatings disposed thereover to serve as a filter; and a second electrode in close proximity to the first electrode, wherein one or more of the plurality of nanostructures emit electrons in a gas upon application of an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode.