Electron emitters and methods of fabricating the electron emitters are disclosed. According to certain embodiments, an electron emitter includes a tip with a planar region having a diameter in a range of approximately (0.05-10) micrometers. The electron emitter tip is configured to release field emission electrons. The electron emitter further includes a work-function-lowering material coated on the tip.

Electron emitters and methods of fabricating the electron emitters are disclosed. According to certain embodiments, an electron emitter includes a tip with a planar region having a diameter in a range of approximately (0.05-10) micrometers. The electron emitter tip is configured to release field emission electrons. The electron emitter further includes a work-function-lowering material coated on the tip.

Provided is a field emission device including a cathode electrode and an anode electrode, which are spaced apart from each other, an emitter disposed on the cathode electrode, a gate electrode disposed between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode and including a gate opening that overlaps the emitter, and a plurality of alignment electrodes disposed between the gate electrode and the cathode electrode. Here, the alignment electrodes surround a side surface of the emitter.

Provided is a field emission device including a cathode electrode and an anode electrode, which are spaced apart from each other, an emitter disposed on the cathode electrode, a gate electrode disposed between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode and including a gate opening that overlaps the emitter, and a plurality of alignment electrodes disposed between the gate electrode and the cathode electrode. Here, the alignment electrodes surround a side surface of the emitter.

An electron emission structure according to embodiments of the inventive concept includes a cathode electrode and electron emission yarns each having a yarn shape and disposed in the cathode electrode. Here, the cathode electrode includes a plurality of first conductive panels spaced apart from each other in a first direction and at least one second conductive panel that crosses the first conductive panels in the first direction. Also, each of the first conductive panels includes at least one groove at an upper portion thereof. The second conductive panel is inserted to the groove of each of the first conductive panels. Each of the electron emission yarns is disposed between the first conductive panels. Each of the electron emission yarns contacts the second conductive panel. Each of the electron emission yarns is mechanically fixed and vertically aligned as well as arranged regularly by the second conductive panel and one pair of adjacent first conductive panels of the first conductive panels.

An electron emission structure according to embodiments of the inventive concept includes a cathode electrode and electron emission yarns each having a yarn shape and disposed in the cathode electrode. Here, the cathode electrode includes a plurality of first conductive panels spaced apart from each other in a first direction and at least one second conductive panel that crosses the first conductive panels in the first direction. Also, each of the first conductive panels includes at least one groove at an upper portion thereof. The second conductive panel is inserted to the groove of each of the first conductive panels. Each of the electron emission yarns is disposed between the first conductive panels. Each of the electron emission yarns contacts the second conductive panel. Each of the electron emission yarns is mechanically fixed and vertically aligned as well as arranged regularly by the second conductive panel and one pair of adjacent first conductive panels of the first conductive panels.

A compound field emitter (CFE) includes a first surface possessing a field enhancement factor >1, and a second surface possessing one or both of a field enhancement factor >1, or a low work function, wherein the second surface is coated, formed or applied upon the first surface. The second surface has a characteristic size at least 3 times smaller than the first surface, and the outer surface includes a coating of calcium aluminate 12CaO-7Al2O3.

A compound field emitter (CFE) includes a first surface possessing a field enhancement factor >1, and a second surface possessing one or both of a field enhancement factor >1, or a low work function, wherein the second surface is coated, formed or applied upon the first surface. The second surface has a characteristic size at least 3 times smaller than the first surface, and the outer surface includes a coating of calcium aluminate 12CaO-7Al2O3.

An article of manufacture includes a support structure including a cladding material and defining therein a plurality of substantially parallel cores. The article also includes a plurality of conically-shaped spikes protruding from a first side of the support structure. Each respective conically-shaped spike of the plurality of conically-shaped spikes includes a core material (i) extending through a corresponding core of the plurality of substantially parallel cores and (ii) comprising an axial protrusion that protrudes axially from the cladding material at the first side of the support structure. The axial protrusion of the core material is tapered to form the respective conically-shaped spike. The article also includes a refractory metal layer coating at least a portion of each respective conically-shaped spike and one or more electrodes connected to the refractory metal layer and configured to apply a voltage to the refractory metal layer.

An article of manufacture includes a support structure including a cladding material and defining therein a plurality of substantially parallel cores. The article also includes a plurality of conically-shaped spikes protruding from a first side of the support structure. Each respective conically-shaped spike of the plurality of conically-shaped spikes includes a core material (i) extending through a corresponding core of the plurality of substantially parallel cores and (ii) comprising an axial protrusion that protrudes axially from the cladding material at the first side of the support structure. The axial protrusion of the core material is tapered to form the respective conically-shaped spike. The article also includes a refractory metal layer coating at least a portion of each respective conically-shaped spike and one or more electrodes connected to the refractory metal layer and configured to apply a voltage to the refractory metal layer.