Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Plural physical display element control system – Display elements arranged in matrix
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-02
2002-04-30
Shalwala, Bipin (Department: 2673)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Plural physical display element control system
Display elements arranged in matrix
C345S074100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06380914
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates, in general, to methods for improving the life of field emission displays, and, more particularly, to methods for in situ conditioning of electron emitters within field emission displays.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field emission displays are well known in the art. A field emission display includes an anode plate and a cathode plate that define a thin envelope. The cathode plate includes column electrodes and gate extraction electrodes, which are used to cause electron emission from electron emitter structures, such as Spindt tips.
During the operating life of a field emission display, the emissive surfaces of the electron emitter structures can be altered, such as by adsorption of contaminants that are evolved from surfaces within the display envelope. The contaminated emissive surfaces typically have electron emission properties that are inferior to those of the initial, uncontaminated emissive surfaces.
It is known in the art to decontaminate or condition the emissive surfaces by scrubbing them with an electron beam in situ. The electron beam may be provided by the electron emitter structures. An example of this scheme is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,587,720, entitled “Field Emitter Array and Cleaning Method of the Same” by Fukuta et al. However, this type of scheme can result in inefficient cleaning due to the electronic bombardment of surfaces other than the electron emissive surfaces, which can result in undesirable desorption of contaminants.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a method for improving the life of a field emission display, which overcomes at least this shortcoming of the prior art.
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Koch William E.
Motorola Inc.
Osorio Ricardo
Pickens S. Kevin
Shalwala Bipin
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