Home > Encyclopedia of Science > Cathode-Ray Tube

• Envelope or container
• Electron gun
• Focusing and deflection systems
• Oscilloscope
• Display screen

A cathode-ray tube is a device that uses a beam of electrons in order to produce an image on a screen. Cathode-ray tubes, also known commonly as CRTs, are widely used in a number of electrical devices such as computer screens, television sets, radar screens, and oscilloscopes used for scientific and medical purposes.

Any cathode-ray tube consists of five major parts: an envelope or container, an electron gun, a focusing system, a deflection system, and a display screen.

Envelope or container

Most people have seen a cathode-ray tube or pictures of one. The picture tube in a...