Field emission cathode for flat display device has electron emission section formed from conductive, thin-plate-like fine particles consisting of combination of carbons and coated with alkaline earth metal or alkali metal or their compounds

摘要

Field emission cathode arranged to face an electron applied surface has an electron emission section formed from conductive, thin-plate-like fine particles consisting of a combination of carbons. A substance having a work function 2-3eV and selected from an alkaline earth metal, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal compound and alkali metal compound is bonded on the surfaces of the particles. Independent claims are given for: (a) an electron emission device having the above cathode arranged to face a fluorescent screen; and (b) a method of manufacturing an electron emission device having the above cathode. Preferred Features: The particles have mean diameter not more than 5 microns and mean aspect ratio (obtained by dividing a square root of an area by a thickness) not less than 5. The alkaline earth metal compound is preferably an alkaline earth metal nitride, and the alkali metal compound is preferably an alkali metal nitride.