Cathode Ray Tube Display Technology

Abstract The invention of the cathode ray tube (CRT) is generally ascribed to Karl Ferdinand Braun in 1897. His tube was the first to combining the basic functions of today's CRTs: electron source, focusing, deflection, acceleration, phosphor screen, and a sealed mechanical structure. The basic components of a CRT used for color displays are electron gun, deflection yoke, phosphor screen, shadow mask, and glass bulb. There are many performance measures that can be used to characterize the quality of CRT displays. Some of the more important parameters and quantify the performance levels typically obtained in color television applications are described. The design of a CRT typically starts with the selection of several basic parameters: screen size, deflection angle, and panel contour. These parameters are usually established by engineering and sales and allow a workable and manufacturable product to be delivered to the customer market. Essentially all of today's direct view color CRTs use tricolor electron guns, which generate three electron beams, one to illuminate each of the primary phosphor colors. These generally use common grids for the three guns in which each of the grids have three apertures, one for each of the three electron beams. The cathodes are separated so that each of the three beams can be electrically modulated.