Electron emission device including conductive layers for preventing accumulation of static charge

Abstract

An electron emission device with conductive layers for preventing accumulation of static charges on an insulating layer of the device is shown that does not require an independent driving circuit. The device includes cathode electrodes formed on a substrate and separated from gate electrodes by an insulating layer formed over the cathode electrodes, all inside a partial vacuum chamber. Crossings of cathode and gate electrodes form the display areas while in the non-display areas of the insulating layer, that are susceptible to accumulation of electrostatic charge, conductive layers are formed parallel to the cathode or gate electrodes, for the most part separated from these electrodes by the insulating layer. Outside the device chamber, the conductive layers are electrically coupled to their corresponding electrodes. Conductive layers thus formed and coupled discharge accumulated static charge over the insulating layers inside the device to the outside circuit.