A field emission cathode device and method for forming a field emission cathode device involve a cathode element having a field emission surface disposed in spaced-apart relation to a gate electrode element so as to define a gap between the field emission surface and the gate electrode element. The gate electrode element extends laterally between opposing anchored ends. The gate electrode element is arranged to deform away from the field emission surface in response to heat, so as to increase the gap between the field emission surface and the gate electrode element.

A field emission cathode device includes a cathode element having a field emission surface and an adjacent gate electrode clement defining a first gap therebetween. A gate voltage applied to the gate electrode clement causes the field emission surface to emit electrons that are accelerated through the gate electrode element. The gate electrode element is disposed between the cathode element and an anode element. the anode element having an anode voltage applied thereto to attract the electrons emitted through the gate electrode element. A tuning electrode element is disposed between the gate electrode element and the anode element. The tuning electrode element has a tuning voltage applied thereto to decelerate the electrons directed through the gate electrode element and to direct the electrons therethrough toward the anode element. An associated method of forming a field emission cathode device is also provided.