New field-emission device with improved vacuum features

We introduce in this article a novel geometry that can be used in the manuf acturing of field-emission displays. The geometry proposed combines superio r vacuum conductance and a good field-enhancement factor. A theoretical mod el is developed for the calculation of the upper limit to the electrostatic field at the emitting regions, and these values are compared to those calc ulated for the actual geometry. The vacuum conductance of the proposed geom etry is also calculated, and we show that conductances up to an order of ma gnitude higher than other schemes are readily achievable. Finally, we prese nt field-emission results obtained from a prototype, and compare them with other emission schemes. (C) 2000 American Vacuum Society. [S0734-2101(00)16 203-9].