Abstract: An electric field electron discharge surge absorbing element includes a first substrate member having an electron discharge portion on which a plurality of emitters are formed, and a second substrate member having a surface on which no emitters are formed. The surface and the electron emitter portion face each other, separated at a prescribed distance by a frame member. A vacuum is formed in the envelope between the substrate members and the frame member. External electrode layers are formed on the outer surfaces of each substrate member. The emitter cones may be etched from a semiconductor material, or may be diamond crystals deposited in place.