Field emission device with microchannel gain element

A field emission device with microchannel gain element provides a plurality of field emission or "cold" cathodes formed generally into an array. The cold cathodes are typically modulated by a grid having a driving voltage. A microchannel gain element is located adjacent the array of cathodes and provides a series of microchannels having a secondary electron emissive material within each of the channels. The channels correspond in number and location to the cathodes and enable multiplication of electrons emitted by the cathodes. Multiplication of the electrons enables the cathodes to be driven at a lower current of emitted electrons than normally applied, absent the microchannel, to obtain the same resulting beam. The beam exiting each of the microchannels is directed to an anode which can comprise a phosphor for use in a flat panel display.