Abstract: A power source (212) is disclosed for charging a battery (330) within a portable electronic device (310). An apparatus (422), such as a photovoltaic or thermoelectric cell, for charging the battery (330) is disposed contiguous to and within a transparent housing (412) of the portable electronic device (310). A fluorescent species (416), such as quantum dots or a fluorescent dye, is disposed on a side of the housing (412) opposed to the apparatus (422). Light (430) striking the fluorescent species (416) is converted into photons (432, 434) having a narrower spectrum that passes through the housing (412) to the apparatus (422). An optional layer (418) may be disposed on the fluorescent species (416) that reflects light from the fluorescent species (416) to the apparatus (422). Photonic crystals (415) may be combined with the fluorescent species (416) to increase reflectivity.

Abstract: A power source (212) is disclosed for charging a battery (330) within a portable electronic device (310). An apparatus (422), such as a photovoltaic or thermoelectric cell, for charging the battery (330) is disposed contiguous to and within a transparent housing (412) of the portable electronic device (310). A fluorescent species (416), such as quantum dots or a fluorescent dye, is disposed on a side of the housing (412) opposed to the apparatus (422). Light (430) striking the fluorescent species (416) is converted into photons (432, 434) having a narrower spectrum that passes through the housing (412) to the apparatus (422). An optional layer (418) may be disposed on the fluorescent species (416) that reflects light from the fluorescent species (416) to the apparatus (422). Photonic crystals (415) may be combined with the fluorescent species (416) to increase reflectivity.

Abstract: A field emission device (10) is provided that prevents electrical breakdown. The field emission device (10) comprises an anode (40) distally disposed from a cathode plate that includes an insulating substrate (12) having a portion exposed to the anode (40), and a cathode metal (14) overlying another portion of the insulating substrate (12). A gate electrode (26) overlies an oxide (24) above at least a portion of the cathode metal (14) and optionally above a portion of the substrate. A dielectric layer (18) is positioned between a resistive layer (22) and the cathode metal (14), and substantially all of the exposed substrate, and underlies substantially all of the gate electrode (26) including its edges (34, 46), providing a resistance between the cathode metal (14) and the edges (34, 46).

Abstract: A spacer material is provided for a field emission display (10). The field emission display (10) comprises a cathode plate (12) having a plurality of electron emitters (44). An anode plate (14) is disposed to receive electrons emitted by the plurality of electron emitters (44), and includes an anode (26) designed to be connected to a potential source. A plurality of spacers (42) are positioned between the cathode plate (12) and the anode plate (14), the plurality of spacers (42) comprising a material that maintains a positive charge when the anode (26) is connected to the potential source.

Abstract: A fabrication process is provided for reducing leakage current in a field emission display having at least one electron emitter (24) electrically coupled to a ballast resistor (16) coupled to a cathode metal (14), wherein at least one defect (28) extends to a gate electrode (20) from a region (22) electrically coupled to the ballast resistor, the method comprising heating (32) to reduce the resistance of the ballast resistor; and applying (34) a voltage between the cathode metal and the gate electrode thereby creating a current through the at least one defect to create an electrical open therein.

Abstract: A process (40) is provided for preparing a catalyst (20). A catalyst (20) is formed over a substrate (12). A gas (24) comprising hydrogen and carbon is applied to the catalyst (20), wherein a carbon seeding layer (26) is formed on the catalyst (20). Carbon nanotubes (28) may then be grown from the catalyst (20) having the carbon seeding layer thereon (26).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for reducing color bleed in a flat panel display. The apparatus comprises an anode (30) with a plurality of phosphors (28) of at least two colors sequentially disposed thereon. A cathode (14) is arranged in parallel opposed position to and separated from the anode (30) and contains a plurality of pads (40) of emitters. Each pad (40) is disposed on the cathode (14) in spaced relationship to and aligned with one of the at least two colors, respectively, wherein electrons from each of the plurality of pads of emitters that drift from its intended phosphor (28) are encouraged to drift toward an adjacent phosphor (28) of the same color.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for growing high aspect ratio emitters (26) on a substrate (13). The apparatus comprises a housing (10) defining a chamber and includes a substrate holder (12) attached to the housing and positioned within the chamber for holding a substrate having a surface for growing the high aspect ratio emitters (26) thereon. A heating element (17) is positioned near the substrate and being at least one material selected from the group consisting of carbon, conductive cermets, and conductive ceramics. The housing defines an opening (15) into the chamber for receiving a gas into the chamber for forming the high aspect ratio emitters (26).

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a porous metal catalyst (44) on a substrate (42) for nanotube (84) growth in an emissive display. The method comprises depositing a metal (44) onto a surface of a substrate (12) at an angle (?) to the surface, depositing a metal catalyst (72) onto the metal (44), and forming nanotubes (84) on the metal catalyst (72).

Abstract: A field emission device and method of forming a field emission device are provided in accordance with the present invention. The field emission device is comprised of a substrate (12) having a deformation temperature that is less than about six hundred and fifty degrees Celsius and a nano-supported catalyst (22) formed on the substrate (12) that has active catalytic particles that are less than about five hundred nanometers. The field emission device is also comprised of a nanotube (24) that is catalytically formed in situ on the nano-supported catalyst (22), which has a diameter that is less than about twenty nanometers.