Cathodoluminescent light sources: status and prospects

A feasible alternative to current energy-saving light sources is environmentally friendly new-generation cathodoluminescent light sources (CLSs) based on luminescence produced by electrons emitted from the field emission cathode. Because of the lack of available optimally designed general-purpose lamps with field emission cathodes, the development of an efficient prototype CLS potentially mass-produced at a low cost is currently the top priority.