Fabrication and characterization of surface‐conduction electron emitters for SED application

Abstract— A surface‐conduction electron emitter (SCE) for next‐generation flat‐panel displays has been developed. PdO thin films (approximately 10 nm thick) produced by an ink‐jet process were used to form the surface‐conduction electron emitter. The films were electroformed and activated while a voltage was applied, and an electron emitter with good characteristics was obtained. A current density of approximately 30 mA/cm² was attained when an anode voltage of 10 kV was applied. Furthermore, a 36‐in. surface‐conduction electron‐emitter display (SED), consisting of SCEs and a phosphor screen similar to that of a CRT, was also developed.