Electron emitting device, electron source provided with the electron emitting device, image forming apparatus provided with the electron source, and production method of the electron emitting device

摘要

An electron emitting device includes a pair of device electrodes disposed at locations opposite to each other, a conductive thin film in contact with both the pair of device electrodes, and an electron emitting region formed in a part of the conductive thin film. The conductive thin film is composed of fine particles including a first metal element serving as a main constituent element and at least one second metal element. The second metal element is to precipitate at the surface of the conductive thin film and thus form a low work function material layer. When a voltage is applied between the pair of device electrodes, the second metal element moves from the inside of the conductive thin film to at least a part of the surface of the conductive thin film.