A CCD vertex detector for the future Linear Collider

The design work and R&D program of the LCFI collaboration for a CCD vertex detector at the future linear collider is discussed. The physics goals can be met by a 5-layer cylindrical detector system of 800 Mpixels, with polar angle coverage to |cos θ|=0.96. The main challenges are in the layer thickness and the readout architecture. The latter is particularly challenging for TESLA due to the time structure of the machine. Solutions to these problems are described and supported by simulations. Encouraging early R&D results on the question of layer thickness are reported. It seems probable that a well-supported 5-year R&D program should lead to a buildable detector design which satisfies the physics goals.