The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 16, 2001
Filed:
Aug. 07, 2000
Charles M. Watkins, Eagle, OH (US);
Danny Dynka, Meridian, OH (US);
Micron Technology, Inc., Boise, ID (US);
Abstract
The present invention includes a low voltage, high current density, large area cathode for scrubbing of cathodoluminescent layers. The cathodoluminescent layers are formed on a transparent conductive layer formed on a transparent insulating viewing screen to provide a faceplate. An electrical coupling is formed to the transparent conductive layer to provide a return path for electrons. The faceplate and the cathodoluminescent layers are placed on a conveyer in a vacuum. The cathodoluminescent layers are irradiated with an electron beam having a density of greater than one hundred microamperes/cm,. The electron beam may be provided by a cathode including an insulating base, a first post secured to the insulating base near a first edge of the insulating base and a second post including a spring-loaded tip secured to the insulating base near a second edge of the insulating base. The cathode also includes a first wire cathode having a first end coupled to the first post and a second end coupled to the spring-loaded tip of the second post. The first wire cathode is maintained in a tensioned state by the spring-loaded tip. The electron irradiation scrubs oxygen-bearing species from the cathodoluminescent layer. Significantly, this results in improved emitter life when the faceplate is incorporated in a field emission display. The display including the scrubbed faceplate has significantly enhanced performance and increased useful life compared to displays including faceplates that have not been scrubbed.