Abstract: Strips of field emitters arranged in rows overlap grid electrodes when viewed in the viewing direction to define pixel dots. Scanning electrical voltages are applied to the rows of field emitters to perform scanning and data potentials are applied to the grid electrodes to control the brightness of the display. Potentials applied to the grid electrodes also focus the electrons from the field emitters. A metal mesh with grid electrodes fabricated thereon to form an integrated structure greatly simplifies the manufacture of the display.

Abstract: A rim made of glass or ceramic material is attached to an alloy sheet with through holes therein at an elevated temperature. Voltages applied to the sheet may be used for focusing electrons passing there through onto a phosphor layer for displaying images. An optional insulating layer is formed on the sheet and optional grid electrodes are formed on the insulating layer for addressing and focusing. Upon cooling, the rim maintains the alloy sheet in tension. Holes in the alloy sheet and the grid electrodes are therefore maintained in proper alignment with cathodes and pixel dots despite temperature variations. The rim also forms a portion of the side wall of the display device, so that once the rim has been aligned with and attached to a cathode plate and face plate, the accurate alignment process has been completed and the assembly of the device is much simplified.

Abstract: An improved cathodoluminescent device with a one piece spacer structure which is rigidly connected to two sets of grid electrodes. The spacer structure defines holes therein that spatially match pixel dots on an anode on a face plate. One set of grid electrodes comprises layers of electrically conductive material on surfaces within at least some of the holes of the spacer structure. The two sets of grid electrodes and different spacer layers may be attached together to form a one piece spacer structure integral with the two sets of grid electrodes. The display device is then simply assembled by matching each of the holes of the spacer structure with a pixel dot on the face plate, and attaching the structure to the face plate and a back plate.

Abstract: A cathodoluminescent device employs elongated grid electrodes such as small gauge wires for addressing and controlling the brightness of the display, thereby increasing the osmotic coefficient of the grid electrodes. End portions of the cathode filaments are bent into springs to reduce cold terminal effects. The edges of the face plate of the device are curved to reduce the visual effects of mosaic slots. The display may be operated at low anode voltage with increased luminescence so that full screen scanning is possible. Different sections of narrow strips forming a staggered structure strengthens the integrity of the device and reduces dark areas in the display.