Abstract: A display element selection timing method applied in conjunction with an array of Field Emission Devices employs circuitry to select the elements of the array of Field Emission Devices such that the power dissipation in the array of Field Emission Devices and its attendant circuitry is minimized and the brightness is not degraded significantly.

Abstract: A field emission device is described that comprises, in addition to the main, conventional array of field emission devices and its associated driving circuits, an additional, separate, pixel-sized group of field emission devices close to, but separated from, said main array. Electrons emitted by the additional pixel are collected on a separate, non fluorescent, anode and additional circuitry is provided, including a feedback loop from a detector of the additional pixel's cathode current to the gate voltage supply of the main array. Consequently the voltage of the gate lines varies in inverse proportion to the cathode current of the additional pixel. This results in a display whose brightness is constant even when turned on for the first time or after a period of idleness. A method for manufacturing the device is also described.

Abstract: A monitor has been developed for measuring charging currents and voltages in a plasma environment. An antenna in the form of a small aluminum pad is connected to ground through a blocking diode, a blocking transistor, and a storage capacitor. The blocking transistor controls the flow of charge to the capacitor, its control gate being activated by a string of photodiodes that are exposed to the plasma. In a second embodiment, the photodiodes are omitted and the gate is connected directly to the antenna. This ensures that the capacitor charges only while the plasma is on. Once the plasma process has been completed, the monitor may be interrogated at leisure by reading the voltage stored on the capacitor. A resistor, connected in parallel with the capacitor, allows current, as well as voltage, measurements to be made. By using either n-channel or p-channel MOSFETs, electron charging or ion charging respectively may be measured.

Abstract: A cold cathode field emission device is described. A key feature of its design is that groups of microtips share a single conductive disk with a reliable ballast resistor being interposed between each of these conductive disks and the cathode conductor. Additionally, a resistor, rather than a conductor, is used to connect the gate conductive disk to the gate electrode. The latter is arranged so as not to overlap with the cathode electrode. The cathode and gate conductive disks ensure that the ballast resistance associated with each microtip is essentially the same.

Abstract: A cold cathode field emission device is described. A key feature of its design is that groups of microtips share a single conductive disk with a reliable ballast resistor being interposed between each of these conductive disks and the cathode conductor. Additionally, a resistor, rather than a conductor, is used to connect the gate conductive disk to the gate electrode. The latter is arranged so as not to overlap with the cathode electrode. The cathode and gate conductive disks ensure that the ballast resistance asociated with each microtip is essentially the same.

Abstract: A cold cathode field emission display is described. A key feature of its design is that each group of microtips that constitute a pixel is located on the same equipotential surface and a reliable ballast resistor is interposed between the equipotential surface and the cathode line which powers the pixel. An efficient method for manufacturing the display is also described.

Abstract: A display element selection timing method applied in conjunction with an array of Field Emission Devices employs circuitry to select the elements of the array of Field Emission Devices such that the power dissipation in the array of Field Emission Devices and its attendant circuitry is minimized and the brightness is not degraded significantly.

Abstract: The field emission device includes, in addition to the main, conventional array of field emission devices and its associated driving circuits, an additional, separate, pixel-sized group of field emission devices close to, but separated from, said main array. Electrons emitted by the additional pixel are collected on a separate, non-fluorescent, anode, and additional circuitry is provided, including a feedback loop from a detector of the additional pixel's cathode current to the gate voltage supply of the main array. Consequently, the voltage of the gate lines varies in inverse proportion to the cathode current of the additional pixel. This results in a display whose brightness is constant even when turned on for the first time or after a period of idleness. A method for manufacturing the device is also available.

Abstract: A field emission display with focus mesh, and the method of making such a display, is described. There is a glass substrate acting as a face for a faceplate of the display. A conductive layer is formed over the glass substrate. A focus mesh dielectric that is formed over the conductive layer comprises a pattern of intersecting lines formed perpendicularly to one another. A focus mesh conductor overlays the focus mesh dielectric. Phosphor elements are formed within and separated from the pattern of intersecting lines, and over the conductive layer. During operation of the display, a first voltage is applied to the conductive layer, and a second voltage is applied to the focus mesh conductor. The first and second voltages create an electric field that focuses electrons emitted from field emission microtips, located at the baseplate, on to the phosphor elements.