Abstract: An apparatus for testing semiconductor devices including probe tips for contacting input/output pads on the device attached to a probe membrane fixed to a package using a layer of elastomeric material. The elastomeric material and use of compliant bump probe tips effect a global planarization for improved electrical contact between the probe assembly and the input/output contacts on the device under test.

Abstract: A field emission lamp, of either a diode or triode structure has a packaging whereby electrical access to the various electrodes of the lamp is provided through the rear or underside of the field emission device so that the individual lamps can be placed in close proximity to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a field emission device including an anode assembly and a cathode assembly, wherein the cathode assembly further includes a substrate, a plurality of electrically conducting strips deposited on the substrate, and a continuous layer of diamond material deposited over the plurality of electrically conducting strips and portions of the substrate exposed between the plurality of electrically conducting strips. The field emission device may further include a grid assembly including a perforated silicon substrate, a first dielectric layer deposited on the silicon substrate, and a first conducting layer deposited on the first dielectric layer, wherein the first dielectric layer and the first conducting layer have perforations coinciding with perforations of the silicon substrate.

Abstract: An electronic display 10 such as a flat panel display device includes spacing layers 70-88 operatively disposed around the display pixels. The spacing elements are formed by depositing a material, such as a carbon material, and selectively etching back the layer to pre-selected areas. This has the advantage of precisely placing the spacers where support is necessary, while avoiding problems with misplacement of spacers and the resulting loss of manufacturing yield.

Abstract: A cathode assembly includes a substrate, a plurality of electrically conducting strips deposited on the substrate, and a continuous layer of diamond material deposited over the plurality of electrically conducting strips and portions of the substrate exposed between the plurality of electrically conducting strips.

Abstract: A backlight for a color liquid crystal display uses various techniques for activating colored phosphors, which emit colored light to each one of several sub-pixels within a particular liquid crystal display pixel. Activation of the colored phosphors may be performed using field emission devices, both diode and triode, a fluorescent lamp, thin film electroluminescent light, an ultraviolet lamp, a thermionic emitter, or a high-intensity glow discharge lamp. LCD panels are manufactured using less than four glass substrates.

Abstract: Phosphor screens are disclosed that exhibit decreased Coulombic aging and/or lower threshold voltages. The phosphor compositions and electrochemical methods for making those screens are also disclosed.

Abstract: A carbon film used for a field emission cathode comprises a layer of thin carbon film on a substrate. With 244 nm and 2-7 mW excitation, and within the wave number from 1100 to 1850 cm.sup.-1, the carbon film has a distinct UV Raman band in the range from 1578 cm.sup.-1 to 1620 cm.sup.-1 with a full width at half maximum from 25 to 165 cm.sup.-1. The carbon film can be deposited by chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, electrolysis, printing or painting, and can be continuous or noncontinuous.

Abstract: A field emitter including an exposed wide band gap emission area in contact with and protruding from a planar surface of a conductive metal, and a method of making is disclosed. Suitable wide band gap materials (2.5-7.0 electron-volts) include diamond, aluminum-nitride and gallium-nitride; suitable conductive metals include titanium, tungsten, gold and graphite. The method includes disposing the wide band gap material on a substrate, disposing the conductive metal on the wide band gap material, and etching the conductive metal to expose wide band gap emission areas. The emission areas are well suited for large area flat panel displays.

Abstract: Phosphor screens are disclosed that exhibit decreased Coulombic aging and/or lower threshold voltages. The phosphor compositions and electrochemical methods for making those screens are also disclosed.

Abstract: Thin-film edge emission devices and methods for forming are provided. The emitters are formed to have extended edges. They are formed by oblique deposition on a surface of material which extends from a substrate. The material is substantially removed to leave the thin-film emitter. A gate may then be formed around the emitter. Arrays of such thin-film emitters may be used in a variety of electronic devices.

Abstract: A matrix addressable flat panel display includes a flat cathode operable for emitting electrons to an anode when an electric field is produced across the surface of the flat cathode by two electrodes placed on each side of the flat cathode. The flat cathode may consist of a cermet or amorphic diamond or some other combination of a conducting material and an insulating material such as a low effective work function material. The electric field produced causes electrons to hop on the surface of the cathode at the conducting-insulating interfaces. An electric field produced between the anode and the cathode causes these electrons to bombard a phosphor layer on the anode.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for forming coatings of transition metal compounds on solid bodies using cathodic arcs and a reactive gas in a vacuum chamber. The metal composition of the coatings is varied by moving the articles to be coated through the vacuum chamber having cathodes at selected locations, the articles being supported on movable supports.

Abstract: Single hard particles or single point cutting tools having the particles bonded thereto are coated with a modulated or layered composition of transition metal compounds or with titanium compounds to decrease mechanical failure of the particles. Titanium and zirconium nitrides may be used to form the modulated composition. Total thickness of the coatings is in the range from about 0.5 micrometer to about 30 micrometers. Individual layers of varying composition have a thickness in the range from about 0.5 nanometers to about 30 nanometers.

Abstract: A system and method for producing thin, uniform powder phosphors for field emission display screens features a planarization of the phosphor powder layer. That planarization is accomplished by placing the deposited phosphor layer in an anode plate between two optical flats, which are then mounted within a mechanical press.

Abstract: Single hard particles or single point cutting tools having the particles bonded thereto are coated with a modulated or layered composition of transition metal compounds or with titanium compounds to decrease mechanical failure of the particles. Titanium and zirconium nitrides may be used to form the modulated composition. Total thickness of the coatings is in the range from about 0.5 micrometer to about 30 micrometers. Individual layers of varying composition have a thickness in the range from about 0.5 nanometers to about 30 nanometers.

Abstract: A matrix addressable flat panel display includes a flat cathode operable for emitting electrons to an anode when an electric field is produced across the surface of the flat cathode by two electrodes placed on each side of the flat cathode. The flat cathode may consist of a cermet or amorphic diamond or some other combination of a conducting material and an insulating material such as a low effective work function material. The electric field produced causes electrons to hop on the surface of the cathode at the conducting-insulating interfaces. An electric field produced between the anode and the cathode causes these electrons to bombard a phosphor layer on the anode.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a display cathode which includes forming a conductive line adjacent a face of a substrate. A region of amorphic diamond is formed adjacent a selected portion of the conductive line.

Abstract: Grinding tools are provided having a composite working surface with a metal bonding material coated with a modulated composition of transition metal compounds. Titanium nitride and zirconium nitride are suitable compounds. A manufacturing method for such grinding tools is also provided, employing cathodic arc deposition with transition metal compounds being formed from arcs of transition metal cathodes and a reactive gas.