FIELD EMITTER SPACER CHARGE DETRAPPING THROUGH PHOTON EXCITATION

摘要

A method and apparatus for neutralizing the charge on a spacer (22, 38) positioned between an anode (12) and a cathode plate (24) within a flat panel display includes emitting electrons from the cathode plate (24) toward the anode (12), and applying electromagnetic radiation to the spacer (22, 38) to neutralize the charge caused by electrons striking the spacer (22, 38). The electromagnetic radiation may be emitted from a source such as a light emitting diode (34), or a phosphor layer (54) or region (62) on the anode (12).