Bistable field emission display device using secondary emission

摘要

A field emission display device includes groupings of microtip emitters 14 which are energized by applying a negative potential to cathode 16 relative to the signal electrode 22, thereby inducing an electric field which draws streams of electrons 38 from the apexes of microtips 14. Electrons 38 emitted from microtips 14 impinge upon extraction plate 36 causing emission of a secondary stream of electrons 40 which are accelerated toward anode 40. Apparatus and methods for controlling these primary and secondary electron streams are described.