Recent progress in field emitter array development for high performance applications

This article discusses the current status of the rapidly evolving area of field emitter arrays. The development of field emitter arrays is reviewed in the context of major applications of the devices, such as flat panel displays and cathodes for microwave power amplifiers. State-of-the art technologies for fabrication of field emitter arrays as well as recently reported results on electrical performance of the devices are reviewed. Remaining challenges in the major applications in conjunction with some of the potential pathways to device improvement are discussed.