Electron emission properties of ZnS-based thin-film cold cathode for field emission display

A thin-film cold cathode emitter has been produced for application in flat-panel displays. This structure is fabricated by modifying a thin-film electroluminescence device. The thin-film cold cathode employs hot electrons generated in a ZnS accelerating layer by a high electric field, with these electrons being emitted through a thin Au electrode. The thin-film cold cathode emitter exhibited emission properties over large areas with excellent uniformity. For application to field emission displays, a matrix of electrodes was fabricated using thin-film cold cathodes. Although the pixel pitch was fine, electron emission exhibited spatial uniformity. This feature makes this device attractive for flat-panel displays and other applications.