An
electron emitting element (1) includes a substrate (2), an upper
electrode (3), and a fine particle layer (4) sandwiched between the substrate (2) and the upper
electrode (3). The fine particle layer (4) includes
metal fine particles (6) with
high resistance to oxidation, and insulating fine particles (5) larger in size than the
metal fine particles (6). The
electron emitting element (1) can steadily emit electrons not only in vacuum but also in the
atmosphere. Further, the
electron emitting element (1) can work without
electric discharge so that harmful substances such as
ozone,
NOx, or the like are scarcely generated. Accordingly, degradation of the electron emitting element (1) due to oxidation does not occur. Therefore, the electron emitting element (1) has a long life and can steadily work continuously for a long period of time even in the
atmosphere.