This display architecture functions like a massive array of microscopic cathode ray tubes. A small voltage applied across a nanometer-scale gap in a surface conductor causes electrons to tunnel across and accelerate toward a positively charged phosphor screen. It was developed to combine the deep blacks and rapid response times of traditional CRTs with the thin profile of LCDs.
The prototype surface-conduction electron-emitter display had incredible contrast, but they could never get the fabrication costs low enough to compete.
Also heard as
- SED
Do not mix it up with
- Field emission display: Both are flat-panel CRT alternatives, but SED uses surface conduction gaps while FED uses sharp micro-tips to emit electrons.
Related terms
Cathode ray tube
A vacuum tube containing one or more electron guns and a phosphorescent screen used to display images.
Field emission display
A flat-panel screen technology utilizing microscopic electron emitters for each pixel.
LCD
A flat-panel screen technology that uses liquid crystals to modulate light.