An 
electron emitting element (1) includes a substrate (2), an upper 
electrode (3), and a fine particle layer (4) sandwiched between the substrate (2) and the upper 
electrode (3). The fine particle layer (4) includes 
metal fine particles (6) with 
high resistance to oxidation, and insulating fine particles (5) larger in size than the 
metal fine particles (6). The 
electron emitting element (1) can steadily emit electrons not only in vacuum but also in the 
atmosphere. Further, the 
electron emitting element (1) can work without 
electric discharge so that harmful substances such as 
ozone, 
NOx, or the like are scarcely generated. Accordingly, degradation of the electron emitting element (1) due to oxidation does not occur. Therefore, the electron emitting element (1) has a long life and can steadily work continuously for a long period of time even in the 
atmosphere.