Abstract: A method for adjusting one or more dimensions of a photomask subsequent to etching of a defective pattern in the chrome-containing layer thereof is provided. The method includes subjecting the chrome-containing layer of a photomask to a wet etch process utilizing a solution comprising deionized water and ozone. The length of exposure is directly proportional to the degree of adjustment desired. Accordingly, the method of the present invention provides a way in which dimensions of a photomask may be adjusted by a small amount (e.g., a few angstroms) or more severely adjusted, for example, by 20-30 nanometers or more.

Abstract: A method for adjusting one or more dimensions of a photomask subsequent to etching of a defective pattern in the chrome-containing layer thereof is provided. The method includes subjecting the chrome-containing layer of a photomask to a wet etch process utilizing a solution comprising deionized water and ozone. The length of exposure is directly proportional to the degree of adjustment desired. That is, if a small adjustment in one or more dimensions of a photomask is desired, the photomask may be exposed to the deionized water and ozone solution for only a few moments, whereas if a much larger adjustment is necessary, the photomask may be exposed to the solution for several hours. Accordingly, the method of the present invention provides a way in which dimensions of a photomask may be adjusted by a small amount (e.g., a few angstroms) or more severely adjusted, for example, by 20–30 nanometers or more.

Abstract: A flat panel field emission device includes a black matrix formed from an electrically insulative material such as praseodymium-manganese oxide. The insulative black matrix increases image contrast and reduces power consumption. For field emission devices which utilize a switched anode for selectively activating pixels, the insulative material reduces or eliminates problems associated with short circuiting of the pixels.

Abstract: The invention includes field emitters, field emission displays (FEDs), monitors, computer systems and methods employing the same for providing uniform electron beams from cathodes of FED devices. The apparatuses each include electron beam uniformity circuitry. The electron beam uniformity circuit provides a grid voltage, VGrid, with a DC offset voltage sufficient to induce field emission from a cathode and a periodic signal superimposed on the DC offset voltage for varying the grid voltage at a frequency fast enough to be undetectable by the human eye. The cathodes may be of the micro-tipped or flat variety. The periodic signal may be sinusoidal with peak-to-peak voltage of between about 5 volts and about 50 volts.

Abstract: An anode screen for a field-emission-display is formed by layering light-permeable conductive material and phosphor respectively over a transparent substrate. A plurality of holes are formed in the layer of phosphor to expose corresponding regions of the conductive material. In a further embodiment, the anode screen is disposed in spaced and opposing relationship to a cathode emitter plate that comprises a plurality of electron emitters. Pixel regions of the phosphor of the anode screen correspond to regions of the phosphor opposite respective electron emitters of the plurality of electron emitters. Preferably, each pixel region of the phosphor has a number of holes spaced equally about its periphery. In the preferred embodiment, six holes delimit a hexagon shape for their respective pixel region, wherein centers of the holes provide apexes of the hexagon.

Abstract: The invention includes field emitters, field emission displays (FEDs), monitors, computer systems and methods employing the same for providing uniform electron beams from cathodes of FED devices. The apparatuses each include electron beam uniformity circuitry. The electron beam uniformity circuit provides a grid voltage, VGrid, with a DC offset voltage sufficient to induce field emission from a cathode and a periodic signal superimposed on the DC offset voltage for varying the grid voltage at a frequency fast enough to be undetectable by the human eye. The cathodes may be of the micro-tipped or flat variety. The periodic signal may be sinusoidal with peak-to-peak voltage of between about 5 volts and about 50 volts.

Abstract: The invention includes field emitters, field emission displays (FEDs), monitors, computer systems and methods employing the same for providing uniform electron beams from cathodes of FED devices. The apparatuses each include electron beam uniformity circuitry. The electron beam uniformity circuit provides a grid voltage, VGrid, with a DC offset voltage sufficient to induce field emission from a cathode and a periodic signal superimposed on the DC offset voltage for varying the grid voltage at a frequency fast enough to be undetectable by the human eye. The cathodes may be of the micro-tipped or flat variety. The periodic signal may be sinusoidal with peak-to-peak voltage of between about 5 volts and about 50 volts.

Abstract: A flat panel field emission device includes a black matrix formed from an electrically insulative material such as praseodymium-manganese oxide. The insulative black matrix increases image contrast and reduces power consumption. For field emission devices which utilize a switched anode for selectively activating pixels, the insulative material reduces or eliminates problems associated with short circuiting of the pixels.

Abstract: The invention includes field emitters, field emission displays (FEDs), monitors, computer systems and methods employing the same for providing uniform electron beams from cathodes of FED devices. The apparatuses each include electron beam uniformity circuitry. The electron beam uniformity circuit provides a grid voltage, VGrid, with a DC offset voltage sufficient to induce field emission from a cathode and a periodic signal superimposed on the DC offset voltage for varying the grid voltage at a frequency fast enough to be undetectable by the human eye. The cathodes may be of the micro-tipped or flat variety. The periodic signal may be sinusoidal with peak-to-peak voltage of between about 5 volts and about 50 volts.

Abstract: A faceplate in a flat panel display has attachment sites made with a method that includes steps of mixing frit and photoresist to form a mixture, applying the mixture to the substrate, softbaking the substrate and mixture, and exposing and developing the resist to define adhesion sites. Spacers are then attached to the faceplate at the adhesion sites.

Abstract: A flat panel field emission device includes a black matrix formed from an electrically insulative material such as praseodymium-manganese oxide. The insulative black matrix increases image contrast and reduces power consumption. For field emission devices which utilize a switched anode for selectively activating pixels, the insulative material reduces or eliminates problems associated with short circuiting of the pixels.

Abstract: An anode screen for a field-emission-display is formed by layering light-permeable conductive material and phosphor respectively over a transparent substrate. A plurality of holes are formed in the layer of phosphor to expose corresponding regions of the conductive material. In a further embodiment, the anode screen is disposed in spaced and opposing relationship to a cathode emitter plate that comprises a plurality of electron emitters. Pixel regions of the phosphor of the anode screen correspond to regions of the phosphor opposite respective electron emitters of the plurality of electron emitters. Preferably, each pixel region of the phosphor has a number of holes spaced equally about its periphery. In the preferred embodiment, six holes delimit a hexagon shape for their respective pixel region, wherein centers of the holes provide apexes of the hexagon.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel etching process for a semiconductor material which inhibits corrosion of metal comprised of pretreating the material, preferably with a surfactant, and then exposing the material to a mixture comprising salt, a buffered oxide etch, and optionally a surfactant.

Abstract: A method for coating flat substrates with a liquid, the method comprising: pressurizing liquid within a coat head wherein the liquid has a viscosity of at least thirty centipoises; forming a meniscus of liquid at an orifice in the coat head; contacting the meniscus of the liquid to the substrate; and moving the meniscus relative to the substrate. A system for coating a flat substrate with liquid, the system comprising: a coat head filled with liquid by capillary action, wherein the viscosity of the liquid is at least thirty centipoises; a pressurizer of the liquid that forms a meniscus at an orifice in the coat head; a contacter of the meniscus to the substrate; and a mover of the meniscus relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A black matrix material for increasing resolution and contrast of field emission displays is disclosed. The black matrix material is preferably deposited by electrophoresis in the interstitial regions between phosphor pixels of the faceplate. By this technique, high resolution and/or small surface area field emission displays may be manufactured. The black matrix material does not brown when subjected to the conditions associated with the manufacture of field emission displays, is chemically inert and remains stable under vacuum conditions and electron bombardment. The black matrix material is selected from boron carbide, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, vanadium carbide and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to anode screens of field emission displays wherein the phosphors on said anode are surrounded by a black or dark matrix which reduces the threshold and operating voltages of the display.

Abstract: An anode screen for a field-emission-display is formed by layering light-permeable conductive material and phosphor respectively over a transparent substrate. A plurality of holes are formed in the layer of phosphor to expose corresponding regions of the conductive material. In a further embodiment, the anode screen is disposed in spaced and opposing relationship to a cathode emitter plate that comprises a plurality of electron emitters. Pixel regions of the phosphor of the anode screen correspond to regions of the phosphor opposite respective electron emitters of the plurality of electron emitters. Preferably, each pixel region of the phosphor has a number of holes spaced equally about its periphery. In the preferred embodiment, six holes delimit a hexagon shape for their respective pixel region, wherein centers of the holes provide apexes of the hexagon.

Abstract: A faceplate in a flat panel display has attachment sites made with a method that includes steps of mixing frit and photoresist to form a mixture, applying the mixture to the substrate, softbaking the substrate and mixture, and exposing and developing the resist to define adhesion sites. Spacers are then attached to the faceplate at the adhesion sites.

Abstract: High resolution color displays for field emission displays are formed by applying a grille to a screen layer, the grille having a set of holes formed therein exposing areas of the screen layer. A layer of photoresist is applied to the grille and the exposed areas of the screen layer, whereby a plurality of photoresist-covered screen layer areas are defined. One set of the plurality of photoresist-covered screen layer areas is fixed, whereby a fixed set and an unfixed set are defined. The photoresist is removed from the unfixed set and a light emitting substance is deposited on the exposed screen layer area. The fixed set of photoresist is plasma etched.

Abstract: The invention includes field emitters, field emission displays (FEDs), monitors, computer systems and methods employing the same for providing uniform electron beams from cathodes of FED devices. The apparatuses each include electron beam uniformity circuitry. The electron beam uniformity circuit provides a grid voltage, VGrid, with a DC offset voltage sufficient to induce field emission from a cathode and a periodic signal superimposed on the DC offset voltage for varying the grid voltage at a frequency fast enough to be undetectable by the human eye. The cathodes may be of the micro-tipped or flat variety. The periodic signal may be sinusoidal with peak-to-peak voltage of between about 5 volts and about 50 volts.