Field Emission Cathode Structure with Conductive Layer for Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Field emission displays using traditional triode structures face challenges in achieving high display resolution due to the difficulty in controlling electron emission directions and the resulting low resolution images.

Innovation Solution

The proposed field emission cathode structure includes an insulating substrate, a cathode electrode, a field emission unit, a dielectric layer, a grid electrode, and a conductive layer, where the conductive layer is positioned on top of the dielectric layer to release secondary electrons and prevent them from accumulating, thereby maintaining a stable potential and focusing electrons on predetermined positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a traditional triode field emission cathode structure is used, then the display can operate at relatively lower voltages, but the electron emission direction control becomes difficult and image resolution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating voltageVSAvoidimage resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cathode structure is segmented into multiple independent field emission units, each with its own dielectric layer and grid electrode configuration. This segmentation allows for precise control of electron emission from each unit while maintaining overall low voltage operation, resolving the contradiction between low power consumption and high image resolution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A dielectric layer is introduced as an intermediary between the field emission units and the grid electrodes. This dielectric layer mediates the electric field distribution, enabling effective electron emission control at lower voltages while maintaining sharp electron beam focusing for high resolution images

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If secondary electrons are emitted from the dielectric layer, then electron emission occurs, but positive charge accumulation on the dielectric layer changes the potential and makes electron emission direction control more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectron emissionVSAvoidelectron emission direction control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The grid electrode configuration is designed to apply a preliminary counteracting electric field that compensates for the potential changes caused by positive charge accumulation on the dielectric layer. This preliminary anti-action maintains stable electron emission direction control despite secondary electron emission and charge accumulation effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The structure implements an inherent feedback mechanism where the grid electrode voltage can be adjusted in response to charge accumulation on the dielectric layer, dynamically compensating for potential changes and maintaining precise electron beam control throughout operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration enhances the control and focusing of electrons, leading to improved display resolution and clearer images in field emission displays.

Implementation Method 1

the conductive layer is positioned on top of the dielectric layer to release secondary electrons and prevent them from accumulating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSecondary electron emission: Electron Impact Desorption

Implementation Method 2

Field emission displays (FEDs) are a novel, rapidly developing flat panel display technology

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectField emission: Electron Beam

Data Source

PatentUS7990043B2Field emission cathode structure and field emission display using the same
Publication Date: 2011.08.02 HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD
  • US7990043B2 patent drawing
  • US7990043B2 patent drawing
  • US7990043B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A field emission cathode structure includes a dielectric layer, a field emission unit, a grid electrode, and a conductive layer. The dielectric layer is positioned on the insulating substrate and defines a cavity. A field emission unit is attached on the cathode electrode and received in the cavity of the dielectric layer. The field emission unit is electrically attached to the cathode electrode. The grid electrode is located on the dielectric layer, and electrons emitted from the field emission unit emit through the grid electrode. The conductive layer is electrically attached to the grid electrode and insulated from the field emission unit. A field emission display device using the above-mentioned field emission cathode structure is also provided.