CRT technology revolutionized visual display capabilities throughout much of the 20th century. Utilizing an electron beam emitted from a cathode, CRTs create images on a phosphorescent screen by varying the intensity of the electron beam across its surface. This technology enabled the development of television sets, computer monitors, and oscilloscopes, becoming ubiquitous in homes, offices, and laboratories worldwide.
Despite being largely supplanted by newer technologies like LCD and OLED, CRTs are celebrated for their durability, high contrast ratios, and ability to display deep blacks. They remain in niche applications where their unique characteristics are valued, such as in medical imaging devices and certain specialized industrial equipment. The legacy of CRT technology endures in the foundational principles it introduced to the field of display technology, influencing advancements that continue to shape how we perceive and interact with visual information today.
