A field emission display device (1) includes a cathode plate (20), a
resistive buffer (30) in contact with the cathode plate, a plurality of
electron emitters (40) formed on the buffer, and an anode plate (50)
spaced from the electron emitters. Each electron emitter includes a
rod-shaped first part (401) and a conical second part (402). The buffer
and first parts are made from silicon carbide. The combined buffer and
first parts has a gradient distribution of electrical resistivity such
that highest electrical resistivity is nearest the cathode plate and
lowest electrical resistivity is nearest the anode plate. The second parts
are made from niobium. When emitting voltage is applied between the
cathode and anode plates, electrons emitted from the electron emitters
traverse an interspace region and are received by the anode plate. Because
of the gradient distribution of electrical resistivity, only a very low
emitting voltage is needed.
