Inventors:
John L. Janning - Dayton OH
Robert L. Clark - Dayton OH
Assignee:
St. Clair Intellectual Property Consultants, Inc. - Grosse Pointe MI
International Classification:
H01J 130
Abstract:
For use in cathodoluminescent field emission display devices, a cathode emitter can comprise an inverted field effect transistor having a diamond film or other low effective work function material deposited onto the channel layer of the transistor, such that the diamond film provides a source of primary electron emissions. A variable voltage source is applied to the gate of the transistor creating an electric field that controls the conductivity of the channel layer, thereby activating or deactivating electron emissions from this cathode emitter structure. In addition, electron blocking junctions can be incorporated into the emitter structure to inhibit current flow through the device during a deactivated state. In a variation, the transistor of the cathode emitter has the diamond film being deposited onto an electrically conductive pad that is electrically connected to, and extending outwardly from, the transistor. Alternatively, a sideways laterally gated transistor structure can be used with the emitter surface being applied to the transistor's drain.