Influence of parameters of field-emission cathodoluminescence light sources on their technical properties

Investigations of the influence of geometrical and electrical parameters of field-emission cathodoluminescence light sources on their lighting and electronic characteristics have been carried out. On the basis of the simplest model triode cathodoluminescence light source, the dependence of the electron stream configuration in such system versus its geometric and electrical parameters has been obtained. Based on the analysis of this dependence and on experimental data obtained by the authors earlier, the original design of the field-emission cathodoluminescence light source has been developed. Advantages of this design over existing analogs have been proven and optimal materials for its components have been selected. Conditions are described and geometrical and electrical parameters are determined at which this design operates in the most effective manner. In accordance with the design developed, field-emission cathodoluminescence light sources have been manufactured and tested. During the tests of the light sources, the uniformity of the luminous flux over working surfaces and the luminescence stability over time have been observed. A brightness value of 13,780 cd/m(2) from the working area of 0.95 cm(2) at the field-emission current of 300 muA and an accelerating voltage of 8.0 kV has been obtained during operation of the light sources. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.