Field emission cathode for esp. for graphic fluorescent display electron source - has matrix array on single crystal silicon substrate with each element having own field emitter region driven by output from local control circuitry which stores data for pixel

摘要

The field emitter includes a monocrystalline silicon substrate (1) with a matrix grid (3) of conductors in vertical and horizontal lines (5) for control and data signals. Each section (6) defined by the grid has its own cathode emitter (8) and associated circuit (7) formed by multiple thin film and connected by an input to the matrix conductors. The circuit pref. includes a transistor (TR1) which acts as a switch, a memory capacitor (Cs) which stores an input signal and an driver amplifier transistor (TR2). Centrally controlled numerical signals can be stored in each circuit of the matrix and relayed to the cathode emitters. Each cathode emitter can be switched on or off, and the light intensity controlled centrally. ADVANTAGE- Increased brightness, high density display with low anode voltage; durability improved; cost of production reduced; integral static control circuitry, without dynamic switching.