A carbon nanotube field emission device (100) includes a substrate (10), and a carbon nanotube array (30) formed on and secured to the substrate. This avoids separation of the carbon nanotubes from the substrate by electric field force in a strong electric field. Tips of the carbon nanotubes are exposed. A method for manufacturing the carbon nanotube field emission device includes the steps of: (a) depositing a catalyst film (20) on a substrate; (b) forming a carbon nanotube array on the substrate; (c) injecting an adhesive into the carbon nanotube array, and drying the adhesive; and (d) treating surfaces of the carbon nanotube array by laser. The carbon nanotube field emission device has reduced shielding between adjacent carbon nanotubes, reduced threshold voltage, and increased field emission current.