Shadow mask field emission display with carbon nanotubes emitters

Printable carbon nanotubes field emission displays with shadow mask (Shadow Mask CNT-FED) is suggested. A layer of insulator is screen printed on the upper surface of shadow mask, and address electrodes are fabricated on it. MgO film is deposited on shadow mask by electron beam evaporation. Secondary emission electrons escape from MgO film under the bombardment of primary electrons. In the simulation, 93% of the landing electrons are found to be secondary emission electrons. The modulating amplitude of the voltage on the address electrodes is low (similar to 250 V) because of the low-energy secondary emission electrons. The comparable results are also got from the experiments. The modulating amplitude of the voltage is found to increase with the thickness of the insulator. The optimized thickness (40 similar to 50 mu m) and the fabrication process of the insulator are suggested in this research report. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.