Methods for manufacturing cold cathode arrays

Abstract

A cold cathode emitter structure is described together with two methods for manufacturing it. These methods are cost effective and relatively simple to implement. A key feature is the incorporation of chemical-mechanical polishing into the process. This allows the micro-cones, that serve as cold cathodes, to be easily positioned so that their apexes are located at the correct height relative to the gate lines. A second important feature is that the openings in the gate lines through which the emitted electrons will pass are made to be significantly narrower than in conventional designs.