Abstract: A matrix-addressed flat panel display is disclosed herein and includes a face structure having a phosphor coated viewing surface and a transparent backing structure spaced a predetermined distance from and in confronting relationship with the viewing surface of the face structure. The display also includes a matrix array of individual electron generating elements positioned between the backing structure and the face structure and address means for energizing selected ones of the electron generating elements so as to establish a desired light pattern on the viewing surface of the face structure. This matrix array and address means are configured such that the desired light pattern is readily viewable through the backing structure, matrix array and address means.

Abstract: A field emission cathode device is disclosed herein and includes an array of electron emitting cathode tips supported by a base electrode or electrodes, a gate electrode spaced from and associated with each tip, and dielectric material located between each gate electrode and the base electrode of its associated cathode tip for insulating the two from one another. The device also includes means for establishing an electric field between the gate electrodes and tips sufficient to cause the tips to emit current. In addition, each electron emitting cathode tip is coated with an electrically conductive material that reduces its electron work function. At the same time, the dielectric material which insulates the base electrodes and gate electrodes from one another is maintained sufficiently free of the electron work function reducing material so as not to result in any appreciable current leakage between the base and gate electrodes. The specific method of coating the cathode tips is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A matrix addressed flat panel display, is disclosed herein and includes a lower planar array of spaced apart, parallel, electrically conductive leads and a matrix array of field emission cathodes connected to and extending up from the lower planar array of electrically conductive leads. An upper matrix array of spaced-apart parallel electrically conductive leads is located above and spaced from the lower array of leads and from the cathodes, such that the upper leads extend normal to the lower leads, crossing the latter immediately above the cathodes, and such that those segments of the upper leads that actually cross over the lower leads are positioned in a plane closer to the lower leads than the rest of the upper leads. The upper and lower planar arrays of leads are electrically insulated from one another by means of a pair of separately formed layers of dielectric material disposed therebetween.

Abstract: An electric field producing structure especially suitable as electron or field forming sources in vacuum devices is disclosed herein along with its method of manufacture. The structure so disclosed includes upper and lower, generally planar electrodes spaced apart in parallel confronting relationship to one another with a dielectric layer therebetween so as to electrically insulate the electrodes from one another. A series of apertures are formed with the upper electrode and the dielectric layer. Each aperture is deeper than it is wide and contains a single electrically conductive protuberance extending up from the lower electrode. Each protuberance is formed in at least two stages by successive physical evaporative deposition processes so that the uppermost tip of each protuberance in its associated aperture is substantially coplanar with the upper electrode.

Abstract: A flat panel display of the field emission cathode type having polyimide spacers or pillars separating the emitting surface and display face of the same and a method of forming the spacers by integrated circuit techniques.

Abstract: A method for the deposition of phosphor containing materials to CRT or VFD faceplates using reversal toning is dislosed. The method incudes the steps of charging the phosphor containing particles and the surface of a patterned photoresist with a charge of the same sign so that the particles are accurately deposited directly to an uncharged transparent surface electrode on the substrate.In a preferred embodiment, glass and/or polymeric binders may be included with the phosphor containing materials to enhance adherence to the substrate.