a conductive , light - absorbing baseplate for use in a field emission display is disclosed . the interior surface of the baseplate is coated with a praseodymium - manganese oxide layer having a resistivity that does not exceed 1 × 10 5 ω · cm . a field emission display is also disclosed which comprises the conductive , light - absorbing baseplate , as well as processes for manufacturing the baseplate , field emission display and the conductive , light - absorbing praseodymium - manganese oxide material used to coat the baseplate .