Abstract: An image-forming apparatus comprises a rear plate on which an electron-emitting device is provided, a face plate having an image-forming member and arranged to be opposed to the rear plate, and a spacer provided between the face plate and the rear plate. The spacer comprises a spacer base plate and a coating layer including organic resin and carbon. At least part of the carbon is exposed from the surface of the coating layer. The image-forming apparatus displays an image with a high luminance and a high color saturation over a prolonged time.

Abstract: A reflection type flat cathode-ray tube enhanced in quality of display image, and its manufacturing method are presented. A flat cathode-ray tube is composed by forming a grid layer, a reflective layer, and a fluorescent layer sequentially at the inner side of a screen panel. The reflective layer is preferably formed at the inner side of the circumference of the fluorescent layer. On a transfer substrate, a transfer foil laminating at least a fluorescent layer, a reflective layer, and a grid layer in this order is prepared, the grid layer side of the transfer foil is heated, pressed and adhered to the inner side of a screen panel, a transfer substrate is peeled off, and a fluorescent screen composed of the fluorescent layer, reflective layer, and grid layer is transferred.

Abstract: A support member (20) for maintaining the distance between a face plate (30) and a rear plate (31) is interposed between the face plate (30) and the rear plate (31). An insulating film is formed on the support member (20) or its surface. An intermediate layer (21) is formed at a portion near the rear plate (31). The intermediate layer (21) is set at a low resistance and the same potential as that of the rear plate (31). As a result, an electron beam emitted from an electron-emitting portion near the support member (20) follows an orbit which is directed temporarily away from the support member and then comes close to the support member near the face plate (30) due to the steady charge-up of the support member. Then, the electron beam is irradiated on a defined position on the face plate (30).

Abstract: A charge-reducing film is used for coating a surface within a vacuum container containing electron-emitting devices to prevent deviations of electron beams caused by electric charges of the furface. The charge-reducing film comprises a nitrogen compound containing one or more than one transition metals and at least one element selected from aluminum, silicon and boron. An oxide layer may be arranged on the charge-reducing layer.

Abstract: Cathodoluminescent field emission display devices features an electron amplification structure for generating secondary electron emissions. The electron amplification structure includes a channel structure having a bottom wall coupled to at least one side wall, thereby defining a channel cavity, and at least one protrusion extending from the side wall into the channel cavity. Furthermore, a primary electron source or emitter is provided for generating primary electron emission into the channel cavity, whereby secondary emissions of electrons are produced when the protrusion is bombarded by electrons within the channel structure. The use of a narrow channel in the electron amplification structure reduces the possibility that a returning ion will strike the emitter, and thus decreases cathode emitter tip erosion.

Abstract: A flat panel display and a method for forming a flat panel display. In one embodiment, the flat panel display includes a wall which is held in place by a structure formed either on the faceplate or on the backplate. In one embodiment the supporting structure is formed by two adjacent walls that form a slot which mechanically restrains the wall. In another embodiment a slot is formed within the faceplate and the walls of the slot mechanically restrain the wall. In one embodiment wall segments are inserted into supporting structures that mechanically restrain each wall segment. In another embodiment a UV curable or a heat curable adhesive is used to maintain walls in their proper alignment and position. In yet another embodiment a conductive material is melted so as to bond conductive lines located on the wall and conductive lines located on the faceplate.

Abstract: A magnetic matrix display device has a grid electrode in which differing first grid (G1) and second grid (G2) apertures are used. A sensor element and a second grid electrode are combined as a single structure. Other aspects of the invention relate to a deflection anode having reduced capacitance, the use of a polyimide coating for the grid electrodes, the use of a compliant mounting and adjustment for a grid assembly and the provision of an illuminated border on a magnetic matrix display.

Abstract: An electric field emission display (FED) and a method for manufacturing a spacer thereof are provided. The FED includes a spacer having a structure in which a multi-focusing electrode layer, an electron beam amplifying layer and a getter layer are stacked between an anode and a cathode, or a spacer having a structure in which a first electrode layer, a first insulating layer, a second electrode layer, a second insulating layer, a third electrode layer, a third insulating layer and a fourth electrode layer are sequentially stacked. Thus, electron beams can be easily focused by the multi-focusing electrode of the spacer, and high luminance can be realized at low current due to electron beam amplification of the electron amplifying apparatus. Also, the diamond tip is used as an electron emission means, to thereby obtain a low driving voltage, stability at a high temperature, and high thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A cathode ray tube including an internal magnetic shield which is a pyramid including two long sides opposite to each other and two short sides opposite to each other, and has an opening at its top, a mask, and a frame. Each long side has an extension at a horizontal center of its end located at an entrance from which an electron beam enters the internal magnetic shield, and the extension is higher than the two short sides at the entrance.

Abstract: A flat form gas discharge lamp for illuminating a defined area includes a plurality of adjacent spaced apart substantially parallel channels extending across the defined area. The first channels are substantially co-planar with one another, and a plurality of second channels interconnecting end portions of respective pairs of the first channels to form a single confined region such that the first channels confine an ionizable medium for producing light under influence of an electric discharge. The second channels are substantially co-planar with one another while not being co-planar with the first channels.

Abstract: A plurality of fixing stands (32) are attached to the inner face of a rear case (10), and a back electrode substrate (33) that functions as a back electrode and an electrode unit (11) formed by superposing a plurality of electrode plates via insulators are attached to the fixing stands (32). In this case, only one fixing stand positioned substantially at the center of the back electrode substrate (33) in the plurality of fixing stands (32) is fixed to the back electrode substrate (33), and presser bar plate springs (36) for pressing the substrate are attached onto the remaining fixing stands to fix the back electrode substrate (33) by their elasticity. Such an attachment structure enables thermal distortion in fabrication processes and during operation and influences of vibration/impacts from the exterior to be absorbed or eliminated, thus providing a flat-type image display apparatus with high accuracy and high image quality.

Abstract: In flat panel displays wherein thermionic electrons are focused to a narrow beam by means of an anode or gating grids, such grids structures are subjected to temperature deformation and vibratory stress. In high resolution displays individual grid structures are placed in close proximity to similar structures, often less than 0.0265 inch apart. Failure to accommodate physical deformation due to wide variations in temperature and or physical stress caused by shock and vibration will cause the grid wires to short circuit and the display to fail. The invention operates to maintain the relative separation of the individual grid structures within a range of temperatures, shock, and vibration.

Abstract: A back electrode (6), linear hot cathodes (7) as electron beam sources, and an electrode unit (8) are placed on and fixed to a rear case (4). On the other hand, wire electrodes (9) fixed to a grid frame (10) are positioned relative to stripes of a phosphor screen (2) and are then placed on and fixed to a supporting frame (11) placed in a front case (3) using stud pins (21). According to such a configuration, when the front case and the rear case are bonded and are thus fixed, the position shift between the phosphor screen (2) and the wire electrodes (9) can be suppressed within a tolerance. As a result, a flat-type display apparatus that can display excellent images can be provided.

Abstract: A spacer (100 or 600/1000A/1000B) situated between a faceplate structure (301) and a backplate structure (302) of a flat panel display is configured to be self standing. In one implementation, a pair of spacer feet (111 or 113 and 112 or 114) are located over the same face surface, or over opposite face surfaces, of a spacer wall (101) near opposite ends of the wall. An edge electrode (121 or 122) is located over an edge surface of the spacer adjacent to the faceplate structure or the backplate structure. In another implementation, a spacer clip (1000A or 1000B) clamps opposite face surfaces of a spacer wall (600) largely at one end of the wall.

Abstract: An auto-stereoscopic display device comprises a plane viewing screen, a plane cathode, and a plane permanent magnet. A two dimensional array of rows and columns of channels extends between opposite poles of the magnet for receiving electrons from the cathode. A phosphor layer is disposed between the screen and the magnet and having a plurality of pixels each corresponding to a different channel. Grid electrode means is disposed between the cathode and the magnet for selectively controlling flow of electrons from the cathode through each channel to the corresponding pixel in response to input video data. Deflection anode means is disposed on the side of the magnet remote from the cathode for sequentially deflecting, orthogonally to the columns, each electron beam to different parts of the corresponding pixel in response to an input video clock signal.

Abstract: A process is provided for forming spacers useful in large area displays. The process comprises steps of: forming bundles or boules comprising fiber strands which are held together with a binder; slicing the bundles or boules into slices; adhering the slices on an electrode plate of the display; and removing the binder. In the step of forming bundles or boules comprising fiber strands, the function of the binder is initially or fully performed by glass tubings surrounding the glass fibers. The clad glass of the envelopes etches more readily than the core glass.

Abstract: A method for molding and aligning microstructures on a patterned substrate using a microstructured mold. A slurry containing a mixture of a ceramic powder and a curable fugitive binder is placed between the microstructure of a stretchable mold and a patterned substrate. The mold can be stretched to align the microstructure of the mold with a predetermined portion of the patterned substrate. The slurry is hardened between the mold and the substrate. The mold is then removed to leave microstructures adhered to the substrate and aligned with the pattern of the substrate. The microstructures can be thermally heated to remove the binder and optimally fired to sinter the ceramic powder.

Abstract: A field emission display with raised conductive features at bonding locations, and methods of forming the raised conductive features. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of applicators are arranged in a pattern corresponding to a pattern of bonding locations on either a baseplate or a faceplate of a field emission display. The bonding locations and respective applicators are aligned with each other, and then a predetermined quantity of a thick film conductive bonding material is deposited substantially simultaneously through each applicator onto each bonding location. The thick film conductive bonding material forms a conductive pad at each bonding location. The pads of thick film conductive bonding material are subsequently fired to form a raised feature at each bonding location.

Abstract: An electron source comprises a permanent magnet having channels within the plate extending between opposite poles of the magnet. The internal surfaces of the channels are conductive. A cathode means is located at a first pole of the magnet, at one end of the channels. Each channel within the magnet has a plurality of perforations located on a surface of the permanent magnet, the surface extending between opposite poles of the magnet. A potential applied between the cathode and the conductive internal surfaces of the channels causes electrons to be received into the channels and each perforation forms electrons received from the cathode means into an electron beam for guidance towards a target.

Abstract: A vacuum envelope of a cathode ray tube comprises a faceplate and a rear envelope bonded to the faceplate. The rear envelope includes a rear plate opposed to the faceplate, a side wall, a plurality of funnels extending from the rear plate, partition walls set up on the rear plate, and necks bonded individually to the funnels. The rear envelope is formed by connecting a plurality of miniature envelopes to one another. Each miniature envelope includes at least one funnel, and is molded by pressing.

Abstract: In a flat-type image display apparatus, thermal distortion caused by the exposure to high temperature is absorbed, thus obtaining assembly precision and maintaining it during operation. The apparatus comprises a flat type screen and a back electrode opposing the flat type screen. In the space between the flat type screen and the back electrode, linear cathodes and an electrode unit including an electron beam extracting electrode are arranged. Positioning members formed of heat-resistant insulators having guide portions for supporting the linear electrodes are attached to the electrode unit. The linear cathodes are positioned by the guide portions to keep a predetermined positional relationship with electron-beam extracting holes formed in the electron beam extracting electrode.

Abstract: In a field emission display device, a spacer assembly and a method for forming a spacer assembly. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of a spacer wall which has a specific secondary electron emission coefficient function associated therewith. In the present embodiment, a coating material is then applied to at least a portion of the spacer wall. In this embodiment, the coating material has a secondary electron emission coefficient function which is different than the secondary electron emission coefficient function of the spacer wall. In so doing, the present embodiment provides a spacer assembly having a plurality of secondary electron emission coefficient functions associated therewith.

Abstract: An image display apparatus comprises, in a vacuum container whose inside is kept under vacuum, a fluorescent layer, an electron emission source having a plurality of electron sources, a deflecting electrode to deflect electron beams emitted from the electron emission source, and an ultrafocusing electrode to focus the electron beams and land the focused electron beams on predetermined positions of the fluorescent layer. The ultrafocusing electrode is arranged between the electron emission source and the fluorescent layer while the deflecting electrode is arranged between the electron emission source and the ultrafocusing electrode, so that the fluorescent layer is illuminated by the electron beams. If the landing position of the electron beam is deviated because of errors such as manufacturing errors in assembling the components into the image display apparatus, the deviation is minimized and an image display apparatus with high resolution can be obtained.

Abstract: A flat panel display and a method for forming a flat panel display. In one embodiment, the flat panel display includes a wall which is held in place by a structure formed either on the faceplate or on the backplate. In one embodiment the supporting structure is formed by two adjacent walls that form a slot which mechanically restrains the wall. In another embodiment a slot is formed within the faceplate and the walls of the slot mechanically restrain the wall. In one embodiment wall segments are inserted into supporting structures that mechanically restrain each wall segment. In another embodiment a UV curable or a heat curable adhesive is used to maintain walls in their proper alignment and position. In yet another embodiment a conductive material is melted so as to bond conductive lines located on the wall and conductive lines located on the faceplate.

Abstract: A cathodoluminescent field emission display device includes a faceplate through which emitted light is transmitted from an inside surface to an outside surface of the faceplate for viewing, a cathode electron emitter which provides a source of primary electron emissions for activating the display device, an anode of electrically conductive material disposed between the inside surface of the faceplate and the cathode emitter, and a light emitter layer of cathodoluminescent material disposed between the anode and the cathode emitter and capable of emitting light through the faceplate in response to bombardment by electrons emitted within the device. The cathode emitter is further defined as photosensitive material deposited onto a layer of transparent electrical conductive material. In operation, the photosensitive material generates electrons when exposed to light.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes a vacuum container whose inside is kept under vacuum, a fluorescent layer, an electron emission source having an electron source which is arranged in a matrix and electrodes having a function for focusing and deflecting electron beams, and the fluorescent layer is illuminated by the electron beam. The average electric field strength between the fluorescent layer and the electrodes is set to be stronger than that between the electrodes and the electron emission source. Consequently, electron beams can be deflected in predetermined directions, and electron beams that land on the fluorescent layer can be focused to be a predetermined size. As a result, electron beams can be landed exactly at predetermined positions of the fluorescent layer having an arrangement whose number is more than the number of the electron emission source, and an image display apparatus having high resolution can be provided.

Abstract: A vacuum electron device comprises an evacuated envelope containing a cathode for supplying electrons to form an electron beam, an anode spaced from the cathode for receiving the electron beam, and a sensor electrode located between the cathode and the anode.

Abstract: Picture display device having a vacuum envelope with a face plate whose inner side is provided with a luminescent screen having a repetitive pattern of triplets of red, green and blue-luminescing phosphor elements, a rear plate at a short distance therefrom and in the space therebetween a plurality of electron emitters and juxtaposed, electron ducts cooperating therewith and having walls of substantially electrically insulating material having a secondary emission coefficient suitable for electron transport for transporting, through vacuum, produced electrons in the form of electron currents. Means are provided for withdrawing each electron current at predetermined locations from its duct and for directing this current towards a desired location on the luminescent screen for producing a picture composed of pixels.

Abstract: An electron apparatus includes a rear substrate having an electron-emitting device, a front substrate irradiated with electrons, and a support member for maintaining the interval between these substrates. The distribution of the electric field is controlled, and a force acting in the direction away from the support member is applied to emitted electrons to prevent the electrons from striking the support member. At this time, the electrons are accelerated toward the front substrate. Since the degree of deflection by a deflection force on the rear substrate side is larger than the degree of deflection by a deflection force on the front substrate side, the deflection force on the rear substrate side is relatively weakened.

Abstract: Phosphor powders and a method for making phosphor powders. The powders are oxygen-containing, such as metal oxides, silicates, borates or titanates and have a small particle size, narrow particle size distribution and are substantially spherical. The method of the invention advantageously permits the continuous production of such powders. The invention also relates to improved devices, such as display devices, incorporating the phosphor powders.

Abstract: An electron source comprises a first permanent magnet having a first channel, extending between first and second poles of the magnet, the internal surfaces of the first channel being conductive. A cathode means is located in the first channel at a first pole of the magnet, a potential being applied between the cathode means and the conductive internal surfaces of the first channel causing electrons to be received into the first channel. A plurality of apertures is located on a wall of the first channel, the wall abutting a second permanent magnet having a plurality of second channels extending between first and second poles of the second magnet. The second pole of the second permanent magnet is adjacent to the aperture located on a wall of the first magnet such that electrons received into the first channel are distributed into the plurality of second channels.

Abstract: A display device comprises a substrate, cathode means for emitting electrons, a permanent magnet and one or more supports between the substrate and the magnet. A two dimensional array of channels extends between opposite poles of the magnet, the magnet generating, in each channel, a magnetic field for forming electrons from the cathode means into an electron beam. A screen receives an electron beam from each channel, the screen having a phosphor coating facing the side of the magnet remote from the cathode, the phosphor coating comprising a plurality of pixels each corresponding to a different channel. Grid electrode means is disposed between the cathode means and the magnet for controlling flow of electrons from the cathode means into each channel, the grid electrode means having a plurality of apertures, each aperture corresponding to one of the channels.

Abstract: A Flat Panel Display apparatus has a spacing component composed of a ceramic material which creates an accurately controllable and variable compressive strain on prescribed critical areas of the inner surface of the display panel and backplane which strengthens the assembly and permits the use of thiner and lighter materials.

Abstract: The manufacture of AMLCDs and similar large-area electronic devices includes forming thin-film circuit elements (11, 12, 13, 14) on a substrate (10), with some of the process steps being self-aligned by shadow-masking. An upstanding post (20) is provided at a first area (10a) of the substrate (10) to one side of a second area (10b) where there is to be formed a thin-film circuit element (11), for example a TFT. First and second parts of the circuit element (11), for example, the TFT channel (3′) and gate (5a′), are defined by respective first and second angled exposures with beams (61, 62) from the direction of the upstanding post (20) which acts as a shadow mask for part of the second area (10b). A plurality of the upstanding posts (20) may be at least partly retained in the manufactured device, for example, as supports on which a plate (30) is mounted so as to be spaced from the substrate (10).

Abstract: A flat panel display contains a faceplate structure (174 or 350), a backplate structure (175 or 351), and a spacer (140, 340, 0r 341). A light-emitting structure (171 or 306) is located along a faceplate (170 or 302) in the faceplate structure. An electron-emitting structure (172 or 305) is located along a backplate (173 or 303) in the backplate structure. The spacer is situated between the light-emitting and electron-emitting structures. Transition metal oxide or transition metal in oxide state is present in a ceramic core (401, 501, 0r 601) or/and a resistive skin (402, 403, 502, 503, 602, or 603) of the spacer.

Abstract: Sulfur-containing phosphor powders, methods for making phosphor powders and devices incorporating same. The powders have a small particle size, narrow particle size distribution and are substantially spherical. The method of the invention permits the continuous production of such powders. The invention also relates to products such as display devices incorporating such phosphor powders.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus comprises a rear plate on which an electron-emitting device is provided, a face plate having an image-forming member and arranged to be opposed to the rear plate, and a spacer provided between the face plate and the rear plate. The spacer comprises a spacer base plate and a coating layer including organic resin and carbon. At least part of the carbon is exposed from the surface of the coating layer. The image-forming apparatus displays an image with a high luminance and a high color saturation over a prolonged time.

Abstract: A flat panel display and a method for forming a flat panel display. In one embodiment, the flat panel display includes a wall which is held in place by a structure formed either on the faceplate or on the backplate. In one embodiment the supporting structure is formed by two adjacent walls that form a slot which mechanically restrains the wall. In another embodiment a slot is formed within the faceplate and the walls of the slot mechanically restrain the wall. In one embodiment wall segments are inserted into supporting structures that mechanically restrain each wall segment. In another embodiment a UV curable or a heat curable adhesive is used to maintain walls in their proper alignment and position. In yet another embodiment a conductive material is melted so as to bond conductive lines located on the wall and conductive lines located on the faceplate.

Abstract: An electronic display device includes a two-dimensional array of point charge sources, which are aligned with a plurality of apertures defined in a substrate. Associated with each aperture is a set of electrodes, including a focusing electrode, which in effect funnels the ions from the charge source into a narrow stream, and a plurality of displacing electrodes, through which the ion stream can be caused to scan over a small two-dimensional area on a phosphor. Modulating the bias on the focusing electrode can be used to control the ion stream passing through an individual aperture according to image data. The combined action of a two-dimensional array of charge sources and associated control devices can create a single composite image on the phosphor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flat color display screen including a cathode associated with an electron extraction grid, an anode provided with at least two types of phosphor elements, all polarized to a same potential, and at least two additional superposed grids, positioned on the extraction grid, and each provided with holes defining sub-pixels associated with each of the colors. Each additional grid is associated with a color and some of the holes thereof are of smaller diameter than the coaxially corresponding holes of the other additional grids, for activating the sub-pixels of the corresponding color.

Abstract: A flat panel display and a method for forming a flat panel display. In one embodiment, the flat panel display includes a wall which is held in place by a structure formed either on the faceplate or on the backplate. In one embodiment the supporting structure is formed by two adjacent walls that form a slot which mechanically restrains the wall. In another embodiment a slot is formed within the faceplate and the walls of the slot mechanically restrain the wall. In one embodiment wall segments are inserted into supporting structures that mechanically restrain each wall segment. In another embodiment a UV curable or a heat curable adhesive is used to maintain walls in their proper alignment and position. In yet another embodiment a conductive material is melted so as to bond conductive lines located on the wall and conductive lines located on the faceplate.

Abstract: A flat-panel display contains a pair of plate structures (40 and 42) coupled together to form a sealed enclosure. A spacer (44) is situated in the enclosure for resisting external forces exerted on the display. The spacer is formed with a main spacer portion (60), typically shaped like a wall, and a face electrode (66) situated over a face of the main spacer portion. The face electrode causes electrons moving from one of the plate structures to the other to be deflected in such a manner as to compensate for other electron deflection caused by the presence of the spacer. The face electrode is divided into multiple laterally separated segments (66.sub.1 -66.sub.N) to improve the accuracy of the compensation along the length of the spacer. In fabricating the display, a masking step is typically utilized in defining the widths of the segments of the face electrode.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a vacuum envelope and an electron emission element, an image forming member and a spacer disposed within the vacuum envelope. The spacer, which is disposed between electrodes to which mutually different voltages are applied within the vacuum vessel, has semiconductivity on a surface thereof faced to vacuum and a conductive member arranged to encircle the surface.

Abstract: A vacuum container capable of arranging a getter member therein while preventing an increase in overall height of an envelope and therefore the vacuum container. An anode substrate on which anode electrodes providing a display section are formed and a cathode substrate on which field emission cathodes are formed are arranged opposite to each other and sealedly joined to each other through an outer periphery thereof, to thereby provide an envelope. The cathode substrate is formed with a through-hole communicating with an interior of the envelope. The through-hole has a getter member received therein. The cathode substrate is provided on a portion of an outer surface thereof at which the through-hole is formed with an evacuation pipe through which the envelope is evacuated.

Abstract: A magnet for use in a magnetic matrix display has a two dimensional array of apertures between opposite poles of the magnet. The direction of the magnetic field is such that the magnet generates, in each channel, a collimating magnet field for forming electrons from a cathode into an electron beam. A `keeper`, area around the periphery of the magnet is used to improve the linearity of the field strength in the apertures from apertures at the center of the magnet to apertures at the periphery of the magnet. The `keeper`, area may have control circuits placed on the surface of that area of the magnet. The keeper area may contain apertures which are not used for collimation and into which electrons are prevented from entering by a grid electrode or by a physical blocking means.

Abstract: A flat-panel display having a backplate structure (330), a faceplate structure (320), and a spacer (340) situated between the two plate structures is configured so that the electric potential field along the spacer approximates the potential field that would be present at the same location in free space, i.e., in the absence of the spacer, between the two plate structures. Consequently, the presence of the spacer does not significantly affect the trajectories of electrons moving from the backplate structure to the faceplate structures. Alternatively, the spacer is arranged to produce electron deflection that largely compensates for undesired electron deflection which occurs during earlier electron travel from the backplate structure to the faceplate structure. The net electron deflection is small.

Abstract: An electron source having a cathode and a permanent magnet having perforated channels extending between opposite poles of the magnet. Each channel forms electrons received from the cathode into an electron beam for guidance towards a target. The electron source has applications in a wide range of technologies, including display technology and printer technology.

Abstract: A flat panel display and a method for forming a flat panel display. In one embodiment, the flat panel display includes a sealed interior region. The seal material is placed between a faceplate and a backplate. The seal material is heated using microwave energy. The microwave energy melts the seal material, forming a sealed interior region. The flat panel display is evacuated using an evacuation device that is then sealed off. This results in a flat panel display that is hermetically sealed.

Abstract: A coating material having specific resistivity and secondary emission characteristics. The coating material described herein is especially well-adapted for coating a spacer structure of a flat panel display. In one embodiment, the coating material is characterized by:a sheet resistance, .rho..sub.sc, and an area resistance, r, wherein .rho..sub.sc and r are defined as:.rho..sub.sc >100(.rho..sub.sw) and r<.rho..sub.sw (l.sup.2 /8).In the present embodiment, .rho..sub.sw is the sheet resistance of a spacer to which the coating material is adapted to be applied, and l is the height of the spacer to which the coating material is adapted to be applied. By having a coating material with such characteristics, the present invention eliminates the need to place rigorous secondary emission characteristic requirements on the material comprising the spacer structure in a flat panel display.

Abstract: A diamond-like carbon-containing material useful as a coating for electronic devices including field emission devices and color television tubes, the coatings having both low secondary electron emission coefficients of less than unity and electrical resistivity tunable over a range of from about 10 e.sup.-2 to about 10 e.sup.16.