TECHNOLOGY OF COMPUTER OUTPUT MICROFILM PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

Since the advent of the first computer output microfilm recorder in the mid-1950'S, there has been a steady, if not spectacular, growth in this technology. Today a strong systems approach has developed with emphasis placed on all phases of film handling, including generation, duplication and distribution. The cathode ray tube remains the primary energy source and silver halide film the principal recording medium. The strong desire to develop simpler systems to improve user convenience has led to a serious consideration of alternate energy sources, particularly the laser, in order to permit direct recording onto unconventional recording media. The utilization of dry systems promises to have a significant impact on computer output microfilm in the not-too-distant future.