Abstract: A method is disclosed for creating an emitter having a flat cathode emission surface: First a protective layer that is conductive is formed on the flat cathode emission surface. Then an electronic lens structure is created over the protective layer. Finally, the protective layer is etched to expose the flat cathode emission surface.

Abstract: An emitter has an electron supply layer and a tunneling layer formed on the electron supply layer. Optionally, an insulator layer is formed on the electron supply layer and has openings defined within in which the tunneling layer is formed. A cathode layer is formed on the tunneling layer. A conductive layer is partially disposed on the cathode layer and partially on the insulator layer if present. The conductive layer defines an opening to provide a surface for energy emissions of electrons and/or photons. Preferably but optionally, the emitter is subjected to an annealing process thereby increasing the supply of electrons tunneled from the electron supply layer to the cathode layer.

Abstract: An emitter has a rapid thermal process (RTP) formed emission layer of SiO2, SiOxNy or combinations thereof. The emission layer formed by rapid thermal processing does not require electroforming to stabilize the film. The RTP grown films are stable and exhibit uniform characteristics from device to device.

Abstract: A light device includes an electron supply defining an emitter surface. A dielectric tunneling layer is disposed between the electron supply and a cathode layer. The cathode layer has at least partial photon transparency that is substantially uniform across the emitter surface.

Abstract: An emitter includes an electron supply and a tunneling layer disposed on the electron supply. A cathode layer is disposed on the tunneling layer. A conductive electrode has multiple layers of conductive material. The multiple layers include a protective layer disposed on the cathode layer. The conductive electrode has been etched to define an opening thereby exposing a portion of the cathode layer.

Abstract: An emitter has an electron supply and a porous cathode layer having nanohole openings. The emitter also has a tunneling layer disposed between the electron supply and the cathode layer.

Abstract: An emitter has an electron supply layer and a tunneling layer formed on the electron supply layer. Optionally, an insulator layer is formed on the electron supply layer and has openings defined within in which the tunneling layer is formed. A cathode layer is formed on the tunneling layer. A conductive layer is partially disposed on the cathode layer and partially on the insulator layer if present. The conductive layer defines an opening to provide a surface for energy emissions of electrons and/or photons. Preferably but optionally, the emitter is subjected to an annealing process thereby increasing the supply of electrons tunneled from the electron supply layer to the cathode layer.

Abstract: An emitter has an electron supply layer and a tunneling layer formed on the electron supply layer. Optionally, an insulator layer is formed on the electron supply layer and has openings defined within in which the tunneling layer is formed. A cathode layer is formed on the tunneling layer. A conductive layer is partially disposed on the cathode layer and partially on the insulator layer if present. The conductive layer defines an opening to provide a surface for energy emissions of electrons and/or photons. Preferably but optionally, the emitter is subjected to an annealing process thereby increasing the supply of electrons tunneled from the electron supply layer to the cathode layer.

Abstract: A method for creating an electron lens includes the steps of applying a polymer layer on an emitter surface of an electron emitter and then curing the polymer layer to reduce volatile content.

Abstract: An emitter has an electron supply layer and a tunneling layer formed on the electron supply layer. Optionally, an insulator layer is formed on the electron supply layer and has openings defined within in which the tunneling layer is formed. A cathode layer is formed on the tunneling layer to provide a surface for energy emissions of electrons and/or photons. Preferably, the emitter is subjected to an annealing process thereby increasing the supply of electrons tunneled from the electron supply layer to the cathode layer.