Field Emissions Displays (FEDs) are due to their broad range regarding the operating temperature and the viewing angle an interesting alternative to Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Displays (AMLCD). Spindt cathodes are mostly used for field emission displays (FEDs). However, the fabrication of Spindt cathodes is a complicated and expensive process. Recently, progresses regarding alternative emitter materials have made reported. At FhG-IST and TU Chemnitz tetrahedral amorphes carbon exhibiting emission current densities of 0.1 to 1 mA/mm2 at threshold fields of 2-5 V/mu m could be achieved. Furthermore, cold field emission was observed at FhG-IST using electroplated nano-crystalline diamond dispersion layers. A Japanese group reported on the cold emission of electrons at threshold fields as low as 0.5 V/mu m employing nitrogen-doped diamond. Research staff from Canon presented a flat panel display based on Surface-Conduction Electron Emitters. Using these SCE cathodes Canon produced alread y a 3.1" full color FPD.
