Field Emission Displays (FEDs)

Abstract

Field emission displays have long been seen as ideal image visualization devices. The combination of their emissive nature coupled with high speed and other benefits makes them a candidate to compete with liquid crystal displays in a major market. The technology has been difficult to realize, but the combination of modern micro-fabrication techniques coupled with field enhancement from sharp structures as a source of electrons has enabled design solutions that have delivered displays with remarkable performance. However, manufacturing such devices has proven difficult. Modern attempts include nanotechnology and material solutions that have delivered new hope. There is a common history to many aspects of field emission and common challenges in realizing a vacuum microelectronics-based technology. This chapter examines this background, from the fundamental quantum mechanical process of electron emission from surfaces, through geometric enhancement by sharp points, to the groundbreaking device work of Spindt to give an insight into the field emission process. It also addresses cathode issues such as emission uniformity through to the phosphor issues on the anode plate and the problems of spacing and vacuum sealing.