Field emission display using carbon nanotubes and methods of making the same

Abstract

Embossed microstructures within a substrate are used to create narrow and deep holes within that substrate. A carbon nanotube solution or mixture is then deposited over this substrate with the embossed holes. Shaking or vibrating the substrate will then cause the carbon nanotubes to fall into each of the holes in such a way that all of the nanotubes within a hole will be substantially parallel to the long axis of the hole. This structure can then be combined with a gate electrode and an anode to create a field emission display device.

1 . (original) an apparatus comprising: 
 a substrate with holes embossed therein; and    carbon nanotubes deposited in the holes.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a conductive layer within the substrate electrically connecting at least a portion of the carbon nanotubes within a plurality of the holes.    
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising: 
 a gate electrode coextensive with the substrate.    
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 2 , a material for affixing the carbon nanotubes within the holes.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 3 , further comprising: 
 an anode positioned a distance from the substrate, having a phosphor for emitting photons in response to bombardment from electrons emitted by the carbon nanotubes.    
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 5 , further comprising: 
 circuitry for causing the electrons to be emitted by the carbon nanotubes.    
     
     
         7 . A data processing system comprising: 
 a processor;    a memory device;    a storage device;    an input device;    a display device; and    a bus system for coupling the processor to the memory device, the storage device, the input device, and the display device, wherein the display device further comprises:    a substrate with holes embossed therein; and    carbon nanotubes deposited in the holes.    
     
     
         8 . The data processing system as recited in  claim 7 , further comprising: 
 a conductive layer within the substrate electrically connecting at least a portion of the carbon nanotubes within a plurality of the holes.    
     
     
         9 . The data processing system as recited in  claim 8 , further comprising: 
 a gate electrode coextensive with the substrate.    
     
     
         10 . The data processing system as recited in  claim 8 , further comprising: 
 a gate electrode coextensive with the substrate.    
     
     
         11 . The data processing system as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising: 
 an anode positioned a distance from the substrate, having a phosphor for emitting photons in response to bombardment from electrons emitted by the carbon nanotubes.    
     
     
         12 . The data processing system as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising: 
 circuitry for causing the electrons to be emitted by the carbon nanotubes.    
     
     
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