Abstract: A field emission electron emitter including a coating of diamond material disposed on a surface of a selectively formed conductive/semiconductive electrode wherein carbon ions are implanted at a surface of the electrode to function as nucleation sites for the diamond formation. A second field emission electron emitter is constructed by implanting carbon ions at a surface of a selectively shaped substrate to function as nucleation sites for the diamond formation. A conductive layer is deposited over the diamond and the substrate is removed to leave an electron emitter with a diamond coating.

Abstract: A depletion mode electron emission apparatus with an electron source including a plurality of preferentially oriented diamond crystallites. Applications employing pluralities of electron sources including preferentially oriented diamond crystallites include image display devices.

Abstract: An enclosure providing an evacuated region about an array of microelectronic vacuum devices including a substrate, a first encapsulation member defining a cavity, a second encapsulation member defining a cavity and mating with the first encapsulation member so as to define an encapsulated region, a ledge formed in the first encapsulation member for supporting the substrate and defining a communicating passage between the cavities and a sealing agent disposed between the mating surfaces of the encapsulation members to effect a vacuum seal such that when the encapsulated region is evacuated it will be at the same vacuum levels throughout to eliminate differential pressure induced deformation of the substrate. The evacuated substrate enclosure further provides for assembly without an evacuated environment.

Abstract: An electron device employing an electron source including a polycrystalline diamond film having a surface with a plurality of crystallographic planes some of which exhibit a very low/negative electron affinity such as, for example, the 111 crystallographic plane of type II-B diamond. Electron devices employing such electron sources are described including image generation electron devices, light source electron devices, and information signal amplifier electron devices.

Abstract: A field emission display constructed from field emission devices, (which are typically fabricated on silicon substrates but which are difficult to seal to pressure levels below 1.times.10.sup.-6 Torr because they are fabricated on silicon), can be enclosed in an evacuated volume, sealed using a glass frit, when an appropriate interface layer is first formed on the substrate for the field emission devices.

Abstract: A field emission electron device employing an electron emitter comprised of a coating of diamond material disposed on a surface of a selectively formed conductive/semiconductive electrode and a method of forming the device including a step wherein carbon ions are implanted at a surface of a conductive/semiconductive electrode to function as nucleation sites for the diamond formation.

Abstract: A field emission device having a diamond semiconductor electron emitter with an exposed surface exhibiting a low/negative electron affinity which is operably controlled by modulation of a junction depletion region. Application of a suitable operating voltage to a device gate electrode modulates the depletion width to control availability of electrons transiting the bulk of the electron emitter for emission at the exposed surface.

Abstract: A display device exhibiting improved thermal performance at the faceplate by utilizing a layer of thermally highly conductive substantially optically transmissive solid material is provided. According to the invention, an optically transmissive display faceplate is disclosed having a substantially planar optically transmissive base sheet or a substantially optically transmissive region of substantially uniform thickness of a cathode ray tube envelope. On the base sheet is disposed at least one layer of substantially optically transmissive solid material, such as a deposited diamond film, with thermal conductivity greater than that of the faceplate material disposed on at least a part of a major surface of the substantially optically transmissive base sheet or substantially optically transmissive region of substantially uniform thickness of a cathode ray tube envelope.

Abstract: A field emission electron emitter employing a coating of diamond material disposed on a surface of a layer of conductive/semiconductive material is constructed by a method including the steps of implanting carbon ions at a surface of a selectively shaped substrate to function as nucleation sites for the diamond formation. A conductive layer is deposited over the diamond and the substrate is removed to leave an electron emitter with a diamond coating.

Abstract: A diffraction grating can be tuned by varying the spacing of the rows of the diffraction grating. The diffraction grating is comprised of rows of an electrically conductive material disposed on a deformable material. The deformable material is transparent to a light of numerous wavelengths. A means for applying a voltage on the rows of the electrically conductive material is provided to change the spacing of the rows, thus changing which wavelength of light is diffracted.

Abstract: An otpical switch utilizing electrostatic deformation of an optically transparent elastomer. The switch is easily fabricated at a low cost using readily available and easily handled materials. The switch consists of legs made from stripes of an elastomer which meet at a flat interface. This interface reflects light from a first leg into a second leg. To enable the switch, the flat surface is deformed by electrostatic forces so that light from the first leg will no longer be reflected but will pass into a third leg. The invention provides low attenuation of light along the selected path combined with low leakage along the non-selected path. The optical switch does not compromise the unique advantages of optical signal transmission.

Abstract: A system for dynamically steering a light beam alters the path of a light beam using refraction. The light beam passes through multiple layers of optically transparent elastic material. Electrodes are attached to the bottom and top surfaces of the optically transparent layers. Voltages applied to the electrodes cause the optically transparent layers to deform. This deformation causes a change in the angle at which the light beam intercepts the surfaces of the optically transparent layers. The light beam is refracted based upon the angle of intercept and the index of refraction of the optically transparent layers. The direction of travel of the light beam can thus be controlled by varying the voltages across the electrodes.

Abstract: A configurable display comprising a distributed Bragg reflector having a plurality of flexible, compressible polymer layers is provided. The polymer layers are transparent and comprise alternating layers of differential index of refraction material so that a reflective surface is formed at each interface between the alternating layers. The polymer layers are sandwiched between a first electrode which is transparent and a second electrode. Thickness of each of the layers is designed such that light reflecting from the reflective surfaces interferes constructively at predetermined wavelengths. The thickness of each of the layers is altered by application of a static potential between the first and second electrodes which deforms the polymer layers thereby shifting the wavelength at which constructive interference occurs. In this manner wavelength and amplitude of reflective light can be modulated by a voltage applied between the first and second electrodes.