A transparent field emission device based on the composite of purified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and spin-on glass (SOG) was developed. Highly crystalline SWNTs were synthesized in situ on a tin-oxide-coated glass using the arc discharge method. A simple purification step by oxidation proved to be an effective process in enhancing the transparency and pureness of the SWNT film. The transparent SOG-SWNT composite was then formed by spin coating SOG on the SWNT film. The field emission device showed a maximum current density of 0.1 mA cm(-2) and a low turn-on field emission of 1.6V mu m(-1) with a high field enhancement factor of 1.5 x 10(5) cm(-1). (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.