A field emitter device including carbon nanotubes each of which has a protective
membrane is provided. The protective membrane is formed of a nitride, a carbide,
or an oxide. Suitable nitrides for the protective membrane include boron nitride,
aluminum nitride, boron carbon nitride, and gallium nitride. The protective membrane
protects the carbon nanotubes from damage due to arcing or an unnecessary remaining
gas and thus improves field emission characteristics and stability of the field
emitter device.
