Bead blast activation of carbon nanotube cathode

Abstract

Activation of printed or dispensed carbon nanotube (CNT) film using a particle-blasting technique, also referred to as sandblasting or bead blasting. The process works by sending particles of material at high enough velocity such that when the particles hit the surface, some of the material at the surface is removed. The surface of the printed CNT film is slowly eroded away by the particles from the particle gun. The CNT fibers may be embedded in several layers of the printed layer, so they may not be removed easily.

1 . A method for enhancing field emission properties of a cold cathode by bead blasting a surface of the cold cathode material.  
     
     
         2 . (canceled)  
     
     
         3 . (canceled)  
     
     
         4 . (canceled)  
     
     
         5 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the beads comprise insulating particles.  
     
     
         6 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the beads comprise semiconductor particles.  
     
     
         7 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the beads comprise metallic particles.  
     
     
         8 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the beads comprise frozen materials that are normally liquid or gas at standard room temperatures and atmospheric pressures.  
     
     
         9 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising positioning a mask over the cold cathode to effect a patterning of the bead blasting.  
     
     
         10 . A method for enhancing field emission properties of a cold cathode comprising the steps of: 
 applying a cold cathode material, capable of emitting electrons in response to an electric field, onto a substrate; and    bead blasting a surface of the cold cathode material.    
     
     
         11 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the cold cathode material comprises carbon.