Abstract: Methods of controlling the brightness of a glow discharge which switches from a low brightness state to a high brightness state a given time after the start of an excitation pulse are described. In the first method, conventional pulse duration modulation produces a dimming ratio much greater than the ratio of duty factor variation. In the second method, a plurality of sets of pulses having different fixed durations but variable repetition rates are employed. In the third method, a plurality of sets of pulses having different relative durations have their pulse durations modulated in synchrony.

Abstract: A field emitter and its fabrication method is described in which a gate electrode is formed around and substantially encloses the emitter. The emitter is formed on a silicon substrate and is in the form of a pyramid structure. The surface of the pyramid includes an oxide layer on it. The whole device is baked until the photoresist is drawn, by surface tension, towards the base of the pyramid to expose the metal layer. Etching of the metal layer and the oxide layer produces the finished device which may suitably be employed as a switch in an electronic circuit.