초록 ▼

An improved process for fabricating nanotube field emitter structures is provided, in which the nanotubes protrude from a supporting base material to improve emission properties. The resulting emitter structure are useful in a variety of devices, including microwave vacuum tube devices and flat-pane

An improved process for fabricating nanotube field emitter structures is provided, in which the nanotubes protrude from a supporting base material to improve emission properties. The resulting emitter structure are useful in a variety of devices, including microwave vacuum tube devices and flat-panel, field-emission displays. To attain the protruding nanotube emitter structure, according to one embodiment of the invention, nanotubes and metal particles are mixed and consolidated into a compact, and the compact is then sectioned to expose a substantial number of nanotube ends. A layer of the metal is selectively etched from the sectioned surface, leaving the exposed nanotubes protruding from the surface. The extent of protrusion is at least twice the average diameter of the nanotubes, advantageously at least ten times the average diameter of the nanotubes.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A process for fabricating a device comprising a field emission structure, comprising the steps of:forming an ingot of a composite material comprising substantially randomly distributed carbon nanotubes and a matrix material;etching the matrix material constituent of the

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A process for fabricating a device comprising a field emission structure, comprising the steps of:forming an ingot of a composite material comprising substantially randomly distributed carbon nanotubes and a matrix material;etching the matrix material constituent of the composite material such that at least a portion of the nanotubes protrude from a surface of the ingot to an average protrusion distance at least twice the average diameter of the nanotubes in the composite material.