High-resolution flat-panel displays aim to achieve the visual and optical qualities of cathode-ray tubes, but with a significant reduction in overall size, weight, and power consumption. Among flat-panel displays, the benchmark for performance is the active-matrix liquid-crystal display. Field-emission displays are now emerging as a leading alternative for low-power, flat-panel multimedia applications and high-brightness automotive and avionic applications. Improvements in field-emission display technology have resulted from technological advances in vacuum microelectronics involving large-area lithography and thin-film processing, improved stability of field-emitter arrays, new emitter structures and materials, and improvements in low-voltage phosphor technology.