Micron Technology Incorporated

Zhongyi Xia

David A Cathey

Charles Martin Watkins

Jimmy J Browning

Jim J Browning

Surjit S Chadha

John K Lee

Tianhong Zhang

Benham Moradi

A method and apparatus for programmable field emission display comprising an array of cathodoluminescent elements. Each cathodoluminescent element in the array is responsive to separate select signals to cause light to be emitted from said display at a location in the array corresponding to each separate cathodoluminescent element. In one embodiment, to account for processing variation and the like, each cathodoluminescent element is provided with a programmable element for adjusting the operating level of the associated cathodoluminescent element in response to select signals of predetermined voltage levels. Each programmable element includes a charge storage device and is initially programmed by storing a level of electric charge thereon such that uniformity of operation among the plurality of cathodoluminescent elements in the array is improved. In one embodiment the programmable element comprises a floating gate transistor. In another embodiment, each cathodoluminescent element is provided with an infrared-sensitive element for modulating the operating level of the corresponding cathodoluminescent element in relation to the intensity of infrared radiation to which the infrared-sensitive element is exposed, thereby enabling the field emission display to operate as an infrared radiation sensing and display device.

Method and apparatus for programmable field emission display

An image detection apparatus including a field emission array and signal transmission circuits in communication with pixels of the field emission array. The field emission array includes a p-type substrate with an array of n-wells therein. Emitter tips, in communication with the n-wells, protrude from an emission surface of the p-type substrate. A detection surface of the p-type substrate is located opposite the emission surface thereof. Each signal transmission circuit of the field emission array includes a capacitor, a baseline potential transistor, and a signal transmission transistor. A first side of the capacitor communicates with a corresponding n-well of the field emission array. A second side of the capacitor communicates with the baseline potential transistor and the signal transmission transistor. The baseline potential transistor and the signal transmission transistor may share a drain. As radiation, such as visible light or near infrared radiation, impinges the detection surface of the field emission array, electron-hole pairs are created in p-n junctions between the p-type substrate and the n-wells. As a result, electrons are transferred from the impinged p-n junctions into the n-well adjacent thereto. The charge created in the n-well represents the intensity or wavelength of the radiation that has impinged the p-n junction. A signal representative of the wavelength or intensity of the impinging radiation is transmitted by the signal transmission circuit, and may be scanned by a scan circuit. Upon applying a relatively positive potential to an extraction grid associated with the field emission array, the excess electrons in n-wells may be emitted from an emitter tip adjacent the n-well. The emitted electrons may impinge a corresponding display pixel of a display so as to create a visible image thereon.

Integrated field emission array sensor, display, and transmitter, and apparatus including same

A high resolution field emission display includes a faceplate and a baseplate. The faceplate includes a transparent viewing layer, a transparent conductive layer formed on the transparent viewing layer and intersecting stripes of light-absorbing, opaque insulating material formed on the transparent conductive layer. The insulating material defines openings less than one hundred microns wide between the intersecting stripes. The faceplate also includes a plurality of localized regions of cathodoluminescent material, each formed in one of the openings. The cathodoluminescent material includes a metal oxide providing reduced resistivity in the cathodoluminescent material. Significantly, the reduced resistivity of the cathodoluminescent material together with the focusing effect of the insulating material provide increased acuity in luminous images formed on the faceplate. The baseplate includes a substrate, an emitter formed on the substrate and a dielectric layer formed on the substrate and having an opening formed about the emitter. The baseplate also includes a conductive extraction grid formed on the dielectric layer and having an opening formed about the emitter.

Focusing electrode and method for field emission displays

A display includes a substrate and an emitter formed on the substrate. A first dielectric layer is formed on the substrate to have a thickness slightly less than a height of the emitter above the planar surface and includes an opening formed about the emitter. The display also includes a conductive extraction grid formed on the first dielectric layer. The extraction grid includes an opening surrounding the emitter. The display further includes a second dielectric layer formed on the extraction grid and a focusing electrode formed on the second dielectric layer. The focusing electrode is electrically coupled to the emitter through an impedance element. The focusing electrode includes an opening formed above the apex. The focusing electrode provides enhanced focusing performance together with reduced circuit complexity, resulting in a superior display.

Focusing electrode for field emission displays and method

A method for cleansing the phosphor screen of a display device comprising the removal of oxygen or sulfur from the surface of the phosphor, and/or its associated binder material, to a depth that prevents oxygen diffusion from the phosphor and/or binder, thereby creating an oxygen deficient surface on the phosphors.

Method for cleaning phosphor screens for use with field emission displays

A method and apparatus which provides for continual monitoring of the electrical and optical performance of one or more field emission display devices while the devices are burned-in is for the purpose of proper aging and testing of screen phosphors and semiconductor circuitry as well as determining the failure of the display devices including failures of individual field emitters within a display device. Display performance parameters including luminance anode current and field emitter performance are measured for determining when the components are properly aged as well as determining catastrophic failures in a display or a substantial degrade in performance in order to determine when and how the device may have failed.

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Boise, ID, United States of America

Zhongyi Xia