Field Emission Apparatus With Dual Emitters and Alternating Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional field emission apparatuses face issues with high driving voltage, low brightness, short lifespan, and high manufacturing costs due to the distinction between gate and cathode electrodes, and limited light-emitting area.
Innovation Solution
A field emission apparatus with a three-pole structure featuring dual emitters on both electrodes of a rear substrate, where a ground is formed between the anode and the electrodes, and a square wave is applied to alternately generate field emission, reducing driving voltage and consumption power, and eliminating the distinction between gate and cathode electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a two-pole structure is used with simple manufacturing, then manufacturing cost is reduced and light-emitting area is increased, but driving voltage becomes very high and emission efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The cathode electrode is segmented into first and second electrodes, allowing independent control and alternating field emission. This segmentation enables the system to achieve lower driving voltages while maintaining simple two-pole structure manufacturing advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic alternating voltage to the first and second electrodes, causing them to alternately emit electrons. This periodic action allows the system to maintain low average driving voltage while achieving high emission efficiency through continuous electron supply from both electrodes.
2Power
If a three-pole structure with gate electrode is used to lower driving voltage, then driving voltage is reduced and brightness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and manufacturing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second electrodes serve dual functions: they act as cathodes for electron emission and also function as gates for controlling electron flow. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate gate electrode structure, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the voltage-lowering benefits of gate control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cathode and gate functions into the same electrode structures. The first and second electrodes simultaneously perform electron emission and field control, combining what were previously separate components into unified structures that simplify manufacturing.
3Device complexity
If a single emitter on cathode electrode is used, then structure is simple, but light-emitting area is limited and emission efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The single cathode is segmented into first and second electrodes, each with its own emitter. This segmentation doubles the electron emission sources while maintaining relatively simple structure, thereby increasing the effective light-emitting area and emission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
By having two emitters on the first and second electrodes that alternate electron emission, the system achieves continuous electron supply to the phosphor layer. This continuous action increases overall emission efficiency and brightness compared to a single emitter that must operate continuously without rest.
4Illumination intensity
If high voltage is applied continuously to maintain brightness, then brightness is maintained, but consumption power increases and lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic alternating voltage to the first and second electrodes, causing them to alternately emit electrons. This periodic operation allows each electrode to rest during the other's emission phase, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining continuous brightness through the alternating electron supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between first and second electrodes, allowing them to alternate their emission and recovery phases. This dynamic operation enables the maintainment of bright emission while reducing average power consumption and extending the operational lifespan of the emitters.
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 approach increases the light-emitting area, enhances emission efficiency, extends lifespan, and reduces manufacturing costs and time, while maintaining high brightness and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
electrons are emitted through tunneling effect of a quantum mechanics by concentrating a high electric field on the emitter constituting the cold cathode
Implementation Method 2
a square wave is applied thereto in order to alternately generate field emission in the first and second electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a field emission apparatus and a method of driving the field emission apparatus, which has a three-pole structure of dual emitters formed on both first and second electrodes of a rear substrate in order to obviate a distinction between a gate and a cathode, thus enabling dual field emission. In such a field emission apparatus, a ground is formed between an anode and a point of the first and second electrodes of the rear substrate, and a square wave is applied thereto in order to alternately generate field emission in the first and second electrodes, thus increasing a light-emitting area and emission efficiency, decreasing a driving voltage and consumption power, saving the manufacturing cost and manufacturing time, and accomplishing a longer lifespan.