While new innovations in computer processing,chips and software technology are being announced daily, the thing thatmay be most antiquated in computer technology, the computer screen is finallycoming up for some major upheavels. The newest technology in this fieldis the Field Emission Displays (FEDs), which may one day replace both LiquidCrystal Displays (LCDs) and the present Computer Resolution Terminals(CRTs). The new technology is already hitting Japan and is expected tohit the major US markets by the year 1998.

The electrical approach behind the FEDs is simple.The general idea is that individually addressable electron emiters, arrangedin a grid, are sent electricl signals that cause electrons to flow, reactwith a phosphor screen, and generate colored light. Several companies areworking on this technology including Candescent Technologies based in theSilicon Valley and the main US manufacturer. FEDs promise improvementsover the current screens in that they have lower power requirements, widerviewing angles, higher quality images and mainly, a much thinner profilethan current bulky and elongated monitors.

This revolution is sweeping all possible fields,from the desktop computer, to hand held games to anything requiring a screento display information. This includes numerous monochrome applicationsalso, such as measurements devices, watch faces, hand held communicationdevices, cellular telephones and cockpit displays in aircraft. For eg,PixTech a French company is already producing and is signing up with aircraftproducers, for a 5.2 inch monochrome FED to be used in aircraft andrelated industries. The main problem to their being marketed fully is thatthey are in the final phase of testing required under various governmentand industry regulations. Like testing under various temperatures, powersurges, radiation levels, vibration control and other conditions. Hopefullyby the end of 1998, we will be seeing a whole market of cheaper and bettervisual aid devices/monitors.