Field emission display

Field emission displays ( FED also for Field Emission Display) are similar to plasma screens relatively flat screens, where as with CRT screens by an electron beam an active point of light on a screen with fluorescent layer is generated.

Unlike CRTs in FEDs but the whole screen is not "written" by an electron beam. Instead, stand own electron sources available for each pixel. This contrast and brightness are so much better than backlit TFT - LCDs in FEDs.

As a self-luminous need FEDs (as well as plasma screens ) as opposed to liquid crystal displays ( LCDs) no backlight.

The thinness of the FEDs is achieved by generating the necessary electrons from cold cathode using field emission. The electrons with emission peaks are accelerated with a very small radius of curvature of approximately 10 nm with an overlying control grid, which has a very high electric field result. 2000-3000 tips are used per pixel. The manufacturing process for the tips is self-regulating; only in this way will allow the large density.

Recent developments of FEDs also show that a coated composite can be used instead of difficult to be produced tip. This allows more gate structures and especially a much easier manufacture of a pixel cell. Another approach is to use carbon nanotubes instead of the classic top. They offer better emitter properties, emission is possible even at low voltages.

In December 2006, Sony founded together with the investor Southwestern gate investment, the joint venture Field Emission Technologies Inc., to promote the development of FED. The investment volume totaled 2.5 billion yen, or the equivalent of € 15.8 million. As an alternative to OLED displays, the company would initially produce 2009, the first 17- inch displays. FET planned for the first year to produce 10,000 FE monitors, mainly for industrial applications. It should be sizes up to 50 inches possible. The development was set due to lack of funds.