A field emission display comprises an anode comprising a matrix of pixels and a cathode comprising an insulating layer defining a plurality of wells having a conductor therein. A first conductive layer forms a plurality of conductive pads, each of the conductive pads corresponding to one of the wells. A plurality of nanostructures are electrically coupled to the conductive pads. A second conductive layer is formed over the insulating layer and provides a plurality of gate electrodes. When a potential between the conductive pads and gate electrodes exceeds a threshold voltage, the nanostructures emit electrons that impinge on the pixels.