The Technology - An Overview

What is a Field Emitting Display?

A Field Emitting Display (FED) is a type of cathode ray tube (CRT). The difference is whereas a traditional TV (using a CRT) is a huge bulky thing, an FED is an elegant flat panel.

A CRT creates a picture by firing electrons (from a source called a cathode) across a vacuum at a phosphor-coated screen. The electrons energise the phosphor dots (or pixels) and make them light up. That all works very well - the problem is scaling it up. A 40-inch CRT television (if anyone were to make one) would be almost one metre thick and weigh more than a domestic washing machine!

An FED also works by firing electrons at phosphor pixels but, instead of one single gun, it has millions, all very small, all very close to the screen. The net result is a very thin, very light, very desirable display.

What is the history of FED's?

The First Generation of FED's were designed using extraordinarily small cathodes. These "microtips" had sharp points right down to the atomic scale.

Such precision is expensive. To work, these devices have to be built to the most exacting specifications, using semiconductor-class fabrication facilities and processing equipment. The need to build flat screens to such precise levels pushes the manufacturing boundaries to the 'bleeding edge', making costs exorbitant and creating a punishingly high reject rate.

Although excellent quality, the 1st Generation of FEDs were expensive, difficult to produce and limited to screen sizes of less than 20 inches.

Why is pFED™ different?

The key innovation in the pFED™ approach is the development of a material technology that completely eradicates the need to build the microtips. With MIMIV's technology the electrons are fired from the flat bottom of a larger sized round hole.  "Larger" is a relative term; the holes are still only 10 microns across, but that is 10 times the width of the micro tips and at least an order of magnitude simpler to manufacture.

What is more, the electrons themselves are emitted from graphite embedded in an insulating material, a cheap and easy-to-handle material that keeps the overall manufacturing costs of the displays at breakthrough levels.

What is the bottom line?

Consumers want flat panel TVs. The only reason they purchase ever more bulky CRTs is that is what they can afford. The first display manufacturer to market with a flat panel unit approaching CRT prices will have a huge competitive advantage and be able to supplant the PDP and LCD solutions.  Moreover, the pFED technology can be built in converted PDP factories.

pFED™ has proven itself the clear leader in this field, with demonstrated results far ahead of any other comparative technology.

 The display manufacturers planning production of these units are creating a powerful resource to gain market share and improve profitability.