Development of a New Matrix Addressed Opteolectronic Module Using Field Emitter Arrays

In this Applied/Exploratory Development program we will develop a new field emitter based optoelectric module which will be initially evaluated as a digital photographic printer head (light source array). This optical printer head concept provides the opportunity for a low cost, low spatial volume, low energy consumption, and high resolution printed image generator. A major US camera manufacturer will integrate these Phase I optical modules for evaluation in a new portable camera system. This new electro-optical device is especially suited for portable cameras, graphics systems, and can be adapted to optoelectrical transmitter module and virtual reality applications. We will fabricate and test an optical array printer head using a piezoelectric rotational scanning mirror with a field emitter array display (FEA) linear image source. This new optical printer head image source will be a ID field emitter display with ~100mm long rows of read, green, and blue pixels. Anticipated Benefits: Future applications include use in high speed multiple sources and multiple wavelength light source transmission modules, digital photography, high resolution printer graphics, simulated environments, and virtual reality.