US Patent 7290916 - Field emission nanotip light source

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7290916.html

While much of the interest in field emission nanomaterials has so far focused on flat panel displays, a variety of other applications are emerging such as for lighting. This patent from Hon Hai Precision teaches backlighting and other illumination devices using nanotips formed of electron emissive metals such as molybdenum, niobium, or tungsten formed on SiC or diamondlike carbon isolation posts. Claim 1 reads:

1. A light source comprising: a substrate having a surface; a cathode with at least one substantially solid-cross-section electron emitter formed thereon, the cathode being located on the surface of the substrate, each electron emitter including an isolating post extending from the isolating layer and a nano-tip formed on a top end of the respective isolating post, the nano-tip being comprised of an emissive metal material; an isolating layer formed on the cathode; a light-permeable anode facing the field emitters and being spaced from the cathode to form a vacuum chamber; and at least one fluorescent layer formed on the anode.