A field-effect storage cathode ray tube is provided with a gasdischarge panel arrangement for display output. A transparent conductive mesh is mounted within the panel adjacent the transparent front plate thereof, and an array of conductive pins extend through the panel backplate from within the panel to the other surface of the backplate. A conductive mesh pattern is formed upon the outer surface of the panel backplate in a manner so that each of the respective mesh openings surround a respective pin. A layer of semiconductor material is deposited over the mesh and the backplate exposed by the mesh openings, and a layer of insulation is deposited upon the layer of semiconductor. A charge pattern written on the layer of insulation acts to increase local conductivity in the semiconductor, causing increased current flow between local pins and adjacent mesh. Current flow through the pins determines a pattern of light emission corresponding to the charge pattern.