Abstract: A field emitter device including an insulator structure provided on an upper gate line layer of the device. The insulator structure may surround groups of emitters arranged on adjacent gate lines, groups of emitters arranged on the same gate lines, and/or entire regions of a larger array of field emitters. The insulator structure may reduce the occurrence of flashovers to and from the gate lines and emitters when the field emitter device is used in a display. The insulator structure may also enhance the focus of electrons emitted by the field emitter device on the display screen. Focus may be further enhanced by the addition of a resistive coating on the insulator structure. Methods of making the insulator structure and resistive coating are also disclosed.