Vacuum seal for field emission arrays

摘要

A vacuum seal suitable for use with field emission arrays is described. This seal has high reliability because the expansion coefficients of the metal and the glass are closely matched. Materials traditionally used for cathode and gate lines continue to be employed. To achieve this, a gap is introduced into each conductive line near the edges of the display. This gap is bridged by a material having an expansion coefficient that more closely matches that of the glass used for the seal and is the only material that contacts the seal. The bridge may be in the form of a deposited layer or it may be a discrete wire. A description of how the structure is manufactured is also provided.