Numerical indicator field emission display using carbon nanotubes as emitters

Abstract

A field emission display using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as emitters is demonstrated. The CNTs, synthesized by arc discharge, were screen printed on glass to serve as the cold cathode. The anode plate, which was indium–tin–oxide coated glass printed with P15 phosphor, was separated from the cathode using 110 μm spacers. The diode structure possesses marvelous field emission properties, including low turn-on voltage (250 V), large emission current density (2.6 mA/cm2 under 450 V) and high brightness (2500 nits). A numerical indicator with 15 pixels, driven by metal–oxide–semiconductor field effect transistors using a gate voltage of 5 V for controlling the on/off of each pixel, illustrates the capability of data addressing.