Abstract A flat panel display device includes a backplate (4) and a transparent front face (6) delimiting an hermetically sealed vacuum space and an array (9) of selectively actuable electron-emitting cold cathodes disposed adjacent to, or on the backplate. A stratum (16) including an electron-multiplier (18) is placed in close proximity to the array of cold cathodes. The device also includes a luminescing surface (22) capable of emitting light upon being impinged upon by a pulse of electron beam emerging from the electronic multiplier. One embodiment includes an electron multiplier having an amorphous structure and cold cathodes of the metal-insulator-metal tunnelling type.
A flat panel display device, comprising: a backplate and a transparent front face delimiting an hermetically sealed vacuum space; an array of selectively actuatable electron-emitting cold cathodes disposed adjacent to, or on said backplate; a stratum including electron-multiplier means placed in, at least, close proximity to said array of cold cathodes; and a luminescing surface capable of emitting light upon being impinged upon by a pulse of electron beam emerging from said electronic multiplier means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said stratum incorporating a first layer comprising a collection of partially conductive electron-emitting packed particles and a second layer consisting of a perforated plate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said stratum incorporating an apertured layer of insulating material and said electron-multiplier means are disposed in said apertures.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said stratum comprises a channel-electron multiplier.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a perforated spacer interposed between said stratum and said front face.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electron multiplier means comprises a collection of metal-doped packed glass particles.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said array of cold cathodes is made of thin-film conductors separated by a thin layer of oxide.