EP0871970B1 - Plasma display - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns alternating voltage plasma displays which, with the development of high-definition television, are becoming increasingly important. With such displays, it is already possible very satisfactorily to produce screens of optimal flatness and size. However, a drawback of known plasma displays is the fact that problems of brightness and luminosity arise at the required high definition. In the plasma display according to the invention, this problem is solved by an electrode structure which ensures significantly larger gas discharge regions by comparison with known electrode structures.

Description

The present invention relates to a plasma display from AC voltage type, with those in the preamble of the claim 1 specified characteristics.

In plasma displays, which often include gas discharge displays are called, the radiation is off Gas discharge processes exploited to display receive. Plasma displays essentially consist of two parallel, closely spaced plates that are sealed at the edges. The volume between the Plate is filled with a gas or gas mixture. On the The inside of the plates are arranged on electrodes the edges of the plates are led out to To be able to create tensions. Will these tensions arise appropriate way, so between them creates a discharge in the gas or gas mixture. At Electrodes are arranged in a matrix-like manner on each Crossing point of the electrodes a discharge area Defines what areas in the plasma display are formed in which discharges can take place.

Outside of these areas there can be no gas discharges come. Each of the discharge areas created in this way corresponds to a picture element or pixel.

Depending on the type of gases used in the plasma display or Gas mixtures - mostly noble gases - can be in radiation visible form (light) or e.g. Radiation in ultraviolet range can be emitted. Is radiation in the UV range generated, it can also be used for excitation serve between the plates attached phosphors. The Phosphors shine through their chemical Composition specific color. E.g. red, green and blue phosphors can be used by appropriate Practical choice of the voltages applied to the electrodes any color and also white can be created.

So that the radiation generated between the plates after outside can be at least one of the plates at least partially transparent and preferably made of glass manufactured.

In principle, between plasma displays from Differentiated between DC and AC voltage types. For the DC voltage type, the electrodes are each as Run cathodes or anodes and border directly on the Gas space. The electrodes are included in the AC type covered with an insulation and coating layer and each Electrode can be both cathode and anode. The at the discharge generated by ionization positive and negative charge carriers are stored on the over the Electrodes lie on the insulation and coating layer and so form a surface charge layer and thus a bias that corresponds to the applied voltage counteracts and finally to extinguish the discharge leads. If the voltage applied is subsequently reversed, ie. Anode and cathode are interchanged, so add up the bias to the applied voltages, causing the next discharge ignited at a lower voltage is like at the initial ignition.

The compensation layer, e.g. from one Magnesium oxide layer can exist, firstly lower work function of the electrons from the Surface, thus reducing the voltages to be applied, and secondly due to their low sputtering rate Ion bombardment to increase the life of the Plasma display. Both types of plasma display can still additional electrodes are inserted to the Discharge behavior of the individual discharge cells or To be able to control pixels better.

A possible electrode arrangement for plasma displays from AC type with additional electrodes has a first electrode group from a large number of pairs parallel electrodes, the so-called Maintenance electrodes, and a second Electrode group from a variety of electrodes the first electrode group of vertical electrodes, the so-called ignition electrodes. To the Maintenance electrodes become an AC voltage created, which makes it possible to use the Ignition electrodes ignited gas discharge again and again ignite, ie. maintain. The for Maintaining the gas discharge voltage is required less than that for the initial ignition of the gas discharge required voltage, because of the above described Surface charge layer is generated a bias.

If the maintenance electrodes are on one of the both inner sides of the one surrounding the plasma display Plates, they are called plasma displays from Surface discharge type.

More information about plasma displays, especially theirs Structure and their control are, for example Seminar documents "Plasma Displays", by S. Mikoshiba, Society for Information Display, held on May 21, 1993 in Seattle, Washington, USA, included in SID Seminar Lecture Notes, pages F-2/3 to F-2/31.

For a better understanding of the ignition mechanism is in figure 3a shows a section of a plasma display from Surface discharge type shown, the six pixels or pixel 5. Below is the ignition mechanism exemplary for the maintenance electrodes 3 and 4 described.

Between the maintenance electrodes 3 and 4 is one AC voltage is applied, which is selected so that it to Ignition of a gas discharge for the first time is not sufficient. In Figure 5 are the applied voltages in time Shown course, wherein Figure 5a shows the voltage V3 on the Maintenance electrode 3 and Figure 5b the voltage V4 on the maintenance electrode 4. Should the Gas discharge at time tl in a pixel 5 are ignited, whose position e.g. of the Maintenance electrodes 3 and 4 and the Ignition electrode 1 is determined at this time the voltage V3 on the maintenance electrode 3 increased and additionally to the ignition electrode 1 sufficiently high voltage V1 (Figure 5c) is applied. Consequently is through the intersection of the conservation electrode 3 and the ignition electrode 1 the pixel to be ignited clearly Are defined. The potential difference V3-V1 between Maintenance electrode 3 and the ignition electrode 1 is in Figure 5d, the potential difference V4-V1 between the Maintenance electrode 4 and the ignition electrode 1 in Figure 5e and the potential difference V3-V4 between the Maintenance electrodes 3 and 4 in Figure 5f shown.

It can be seen from FIG. 5d that at time t1 the Potential difference V3-V1 is greatest and that for Ignition necessary value (shown in dashed lines) between maintenance electrode 3 and ignition electrode 1 exceeds. The discharge is ignited and it is created a stream of charged particles. The positively charged Gas ions migrate to the electrode with the most negative Potential, in this case the maintenance electrode 3, and are deposited on the compensation layer. It forms this creates a surface charge layer between the maintenance electrodes 3 and 4 a bias Vv builds up.

The tension between the compensation layers of the Maintenance electrodes 3 and 4 connected to the gas space limit, now consists of the sum of the Voltage difference between the Maintenance electrodes 3 and 4 (Figure 5f) and the Bias Vv together. It is called the wall voltage Vw designated. The course of the bias voltage Vv and Wall voltage Vw are shown in Figures 5g and 5h.

After the ignition point t1, the build Surface charge layer and thus the bias voltage Vv and remain after switching off the ignition voltage V1 (time t2) essentially preserved. At time t3 the Voltage between the maintenance electrodes 3 and 4 reversed the polarity and the wall tension resulting from the sum of the Voltages between the electrodes and the bias composed, exceeds that for the ignition between the maintenance electrodes necessary value Vi, the is shown in dashed lines in Figure 5h. After igniting the Gas between the maintenance electrodes 3 and 4 again a discharge current is created from charged Particles that are on the coating layers above the Remove electrodes and now a surface charge layer and bias voltage Vv of reverse polarity. The current remains until the wall voltage Vw to Time t4 reaches a value Vn, from which the discharge ends. The voltage Vn is essentially determined by the Material of the coating layer is determined and is in figure 5h dotted.

After reversing the polarity of the voltage between the Maintenance electrodes 3 and 4 exceed the Wall voltage Vw again the necessary for the ignition Value why a new gas discharge takes place. Of the The process is repeated with the opposite sign.

The discharge remains stable as long as the AC voltage on the maintenance electrodes is present or until an erase pulse is applied which Surface charge and thus the preload removed.

The one for igniting a gas or gas mixture necessary tension depends on the composition of the gas mixture and reached in so-called Penning gas mixtures favorable values between 100 and 200V. These mixtures mostly contain noble gases.

Another very important dependency of the ignition voltage is described by the Paschen law. It indicates that the ignition voltage depends on the product of the distance d of the electrodes and the pressure p of the gas. At a certain pressure-distance product that from the Gas composition is dependent and for air approximately a Pascalmeter, the ignition voltage reaches its Minimum value.

The relationship is shown in FIG. When in point a specified pressure distance product pd results in Ignition voltage Vil. If you increase the pressure of the discharge gas or increase the distance between the electrodes so that the product has the value given in point b results in the voltage Vi3 required for ignition greater. However, if you lower the pressure or distance until you If the product reaches the value c, it will also be higher Voltage Vi2 required for ignition.

This behavior of the ignition voltage can clearly be seen can be explained that at low pressure distance values the Probability drops that for shock ionization necessary partner is found and at high Pressure distance values are so frequent that the Particles no longer the ones necessary for ionization Can absorb energy.

This familiar connection is made clear Use plasma displays to close discharge areas define. For a plasma display shown in FIG. 3a according to the prior art, the distances e and E are so chosen that the product of gas pressure p and distance e in close to the optimal one for minimum ignition voltages Vi Pressure-distance product is as shown in Figure 4 is shown. The product pE gives a value for the Ignition voltage in the practical operation of the plasma display is never achieved. The maximum voltage VB is composed, as described above, of preload and the applied voltages together.

The discharge area 5 is thus defined and it becomes ensures that gas discharges only in areas 5 arise in which the electrodes the distance e exhibit.

If the resolution of a plasma display is to be improved, the pixel size must be reduced. In order to reduce the dimensions of the Electrodes of the plasma display. The reduction in Pixel size is especially for full color displays from Significance, since these three pixel elements per pixel in the elementary colors red, green and blue have to.

In addition, the discharge areas for the Primary colors are separated from each other so that none Desaturation or changes in color occur can. Separating elements are usually used for this, so-called barriers, which the individual uses Separate discharge areas.

The structure of a known color plasma display is shown in FIG 3c. Those marked with X and Y Electrodes form maintenance electrodes that they vertically crossing electrodes (marked A) Address or ignition electrodes. Individual discharge areas are controlled by the lines X and Y sequentially scanned the data information are parallel to the ignition electrodes A. For example, X1 has a negative potential, there is an ignition for those ignition electrodes A that have a positive potential have, on ignition electrodes A with neutral or negative potential, there is no ignition. All Discharge areas along an ignition electrode have the same phosphor for one of the primary colors. The Basic colors R, G and B change for each ignition electrode.

To delimit the discharge areas from each other each discharge area completely from a barrier 1 (thick lines) surround.

The use of barriers is disadvantageous because they for the actual pixels (Discharge areas) available space is reduced. In addition, the manufacturing process for the barriers are very complex since they are usually by means of several screen printing processes to the required thickness have to be brought. This requires a very high one Precision when performing screen printing processes. In addition, there are high barriers for burning in the barrier material Temperatures necessary to change the can lead used carrier substrate.

From the prior art, for example from Publication "Fabrication of 4-in.-Diagonal Surface-Discharge ac Plasma Display ", by H. Uchiike et al, published in Proceedings of the SID, Vol. 31/1, 1990, Pages 47 to 52, it is known that when trying the Resolution of plasma displays by a general To achieve reduction in the dimensions of the electrodes the brightness and luminous efficacy of the plasma display is reduced.

In the publication mentioned it tries to this To counteract the fact that the distances e by designing the maintenance electrodes as in Figure 3b shown, overall compared to the Distances E can be increased.

From the function of the ignition voltage shown in FIG. 4 it can be seen that a clear separation of areas in where gas discharge is possible and areas in which a gas discharge is not possible due to an approximation of the distances e and E becomes more and more difficult. From the Functional course of the ignition voltage is still it can be seen that with altogether smaller distances e and E the pressure p des in the plasma display included discharge gas must be increased to the necessary separation of areas with and without gas discharge ensure. This makes a more complex mechanical Construction of the plasma display necessary. Usually stands the discharge gas enclosed in the plasma display under a pressure p that is lower than the normal Ambient air pressure is. Due to the higher pressure of the The environment becomes the mechanical cohesion of the individual Components of the plasma display ensured. He comes Pressure p close to or exceeds the ambient air pressure even, the individual mechanical components of the Plasma display made with much greater effort to ensure a safe installation.

The object of the present invention is therefore a Specify AC type plasma display, which at high resolution over high light output and brightness has, the design effort compared to conventional plasma displays with comparable resolution is reduced.

According to the invention, this object is achieved through the features of Patent claim 1 solved.

The advantage of a plasma display according to the invention is especially in that - compared to those from the prior art plasma displays known in the art, with reduced design effort - both high luminous efficiency and Brightness as well as a higher resolution through the Relative enlargement of the discharge area reached can be.

Further advantages result from the dependent claims and the description below. The description follows based on figures.

Figure 1 shows examples of the arrangement of the electrodes in a plasma display according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows the relationship between ignition voltage and constructive sizes of those shown in Figure 1 plasma display according to the invention.

Figure 3 shows known from the prior art Arrangements of electrodes of plasma displays.

Figure 4 shows the relationship between ignition voltage and constructive sizes of the state of the art known plasma displays.

Figure 5 shows the voltage relationships when operating Plasma displays.

Figure 6 generally shows the relationship between ignition voltage and constructive sizes for gas discharges.

Figure 7 shows various embodiments of the structure of plasma displays according to the invention according to FIG. 1.

The following is used to simplify the description and understanding of the present invention essential relationships on the detailed Description of the structure (e.g. insulation and Compensation layer) of the plasma display according to the invention waived. The construction and operation of plasma displays is known per se and is used, for example, in the publications mentioned at the beginning or the European patent applications EP-A-0 436 416 and EP-A-0 554 172.

In Figure 1a is the electrode structure for four Pixels or pixel elements 5 are shown. Next parallel address or ignition electrodes 1 and 2 maintenance electrodes 3 and 4 are provided. The Maintenance electrodes 3 and 4 run in the essentially parallel to each other and alternate larger distances E and smaller distances e to each other. Due to the matrix-like arrangement of further, from each other insulated ignition and maintenance electrodes, such as through the maintenance electrodes 3 'and 4' indicated, there is a display with the desired Pixel number.

The following is an example of the ignition process Maintenance electrodes 3 and 4 described. To the Maintenance electrodes 3 and 4 is for example a rectangular AC voltage (Figure 5f, Maintenance voltage), which is selected so that through them then no gas discharges between the Maintenance electrodes 3 and 4 are ignited can, if there are no surface charges. If one of the ignition electrodes 1 or 2 is sufficient high voltage (Figure 5c, ignition voltage) is applied the ignition of a gas discharge between the ignition electrode and one of the maintenance electrodes 3 or 4. Targeted ignition can be achieved if as above described the voltage of one of the ignition processes Maintenance electrodes is enlarged (Figure 5a).

The gas discharge is between the ignition electrode and the maintenance electrode ignited, between which are the greatest potential difference Maintenance voltage and ignition voltage results.

One of the maintenance electrodes, here e.g. the Maintenance electrode 3, is then with a positive surface charge and discharge is maintained with the maintenance tension between the Maintenance electrodes 3 and 4 with each polarity reversal of the potential ignited again.

From Figure 2 it can be seen that the ignition voltage for the discharge gas used according to the Paschen's law as Function of the prevailing in the plasma display Discharge gas pressure p and the distance d of the electrodes results. For given discharge gases, the Functional course of the ignition voltage can be determined. The minimum ignition voltage Vi - also called Paschen minimum - at a certain value for the product of Pressure p times distance d and is practically usable Penning gas mixtures on the order of 150V (100 to 200V). By appropriate dimensioning of the ignition and Maintenance tension, which along with that by the Surface charge caused the voltage VB generate, and by dimensioning the distances E and e and the discharge gas pressure p is ensured that only in those marked with 5 in FIG Areas of gas discharge can be ignited. The gas discharge arises essentially along the whole Distance E in the respective area 5, since after Paschen's law an ignition only if sufficient Distance between the electrodes is possible.

Reasonable ranges of the parameters VB, E, e and p lie e.g. for VB in the order of 100 to 200V, for E between 0.2 and 1mm, for e between 50 and 200Ám and for the pressure p between 20 and 100 kPa. Depending on Resolution of the plasma display, its size and the these values vary.

The definition of the individual pixels can be at the stand the technology, as previously described, solely through the The distances e and E are dimensioned (FIG. 3a). In the prior art, however, it has proven to be inexpensive proven a mechanical delimitation by wall-like Separating elements, so-called barriers (FIG. 3c), to make. The barriers have a height of approx. 100Ám on and prevent crosstalk of the discharge from one pixel to the neighboring (misfire). In addition, there is optical crosstalk through the barriers the radiation generated in ignited pixels prevents that, especially with colored plasma displays is disadvantageous because it can lead to color changes.

The barriers can be parallel and perpendicular to the Longitudinal direction of the maintenance electrode pairs be arranged so that they either each pixel completely enclose or the pairs of Disconnect the maintenance electrodes.

When parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pairs of Maintenance electrodes arranged barriers a crosstalk of discharge from one pair to another not possible. The pairs of maintenance electrodes 3 and 4 and 3 'and 4', as shown in FIG. 3a, can thus with a lower than that shown Distance E can be arranged.

When perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the Maintenance electrodes arranged barriers a crosstalk of the discharge along the pairs of Maintenance electrodes not possible, which is why the variation of the distances e and E can be dispensed with.

Through the additional necessary manufacturing steps and the reduction of gas mobility in the Plasma display, which worsens the ignition process the use of barriers is a disadvantage represents.

In the present invention, the attachment of Barriers parallel to the maintenance electrodes to be dispensed with because of the dimensioning of the pressure according to the Paschen's law, as described above, one Ignition over the distance e is not possible. Thereby can use the pairs of maintenance electrodes less distance than in the prior art (the distance can be less than or equal to the distance e be, figure la), which also results in a high resolution without the parallel barriers.

Furthermore, according to the invention Maintenance electrodes themselves as barriers be formed because an ignition over the distance e in Figure la is not possible.

In this case there is a section through the plasma display for example shown in Figure 7a. On one Carrier substrate 5 are the ignition electrodes 4 and Maintenance electrodes 6 attached. The Maintenance electrodes 6 have an extension perpendicular to the surface of the carrier substrate 7, which in The order of magnitude is 100Ám. The for the Maintenance electrodes can have the required thickness for example by means of galvanic processes, such as those from microsystem technology are known, from metals or Metal alloys are manufactured.

A significant simplification of the structure is achieved when the side by side Maintenance electrodes of adjacent pairs of Maintenance electrodes are put together. Around continue to uniquely address the ignition process must reach the discharge areas 5, as in Figure lc shown, are arranged offset. Along one each ignition electrode A, areas with a small e alternate and large distance E. It will be sent to the Lines A (ignition electrodes) applied the ignition voltage and the data information is parallel to the columns X and Y (maintenance electrodes). For example, The Ignition electrode Al has a sufficiently high positive potential on, ignition occurs when the Maintenance electrode X1 a sufficiently negative Has potential. Thus, a gas discharge in the Discharge area marked with Z1 ignited.

Is the sufficiently high potential required for ignition always on one of the maintenance electrodes X or Y is established against which of the Maintenance electrodes are ignited.

Due to the vertical extension of the Maintenance electrodes and their use as Separating elements also have the additional advantage that the ionized components of the plasma of Gas discharges mainly parallel to the surface of the Move the carrier substrate. This will make the ion bombardment of a possibly present phosphor is reduced, whereby the life of the plasma display increases. This Connections are, for example, from the essay "Researchers Work to Endow Color PDP With HD-TV Capabilities ", by H. Uchiike, published in JEE NOVEMBER, 1993, pages 70 to 75. The one mentioned in the However, the plasma display described above shows the Disadvantage that not on separating elements overall can be dispensed with, since the known plasma display the only way to safely avoid misfires.

In addition, the barriers are needed because the Maintenance electrodes applied to their flank become. Can on the problematic manufacturing process therefore not be waived.

Since the individual discharge areas 5 along each Pairs of maintenance electrodes X and Y through the Electrode structure (shorter distances e) almost are separated from each other, can also on separating elements between the individual discharge areas perpendicular to Longitudinal direction of the maintenance electrodes dispensed with become.

For this case, distance lines A and B are shown in FIG 5 entered, marked accordingly in Figure 2 are. From this it can be seen that if more suitable Dimensioning the electrodes no undesirable Gas discharges ignited outside the discharge areas 5 can be (applies analogously to Figure lc). Suitable Size relationships are achieved when the larger Distance E about five times the smaller distance e is.

Because of the small distance e between the individual Discharge areas is also the light from neighboring discharge areas low. Therefore, too Regarding optical intermodulation between the individual discharge areas along a pair of Maintenance electrodes dispensed with separating elements be so that the gas mobility in the longitudinal direction the maintenance electrodes is not affected.

Become the phosphors for the individual elementary colors Red, green and blue attached to full color displays in such a way that each phosphor for each elementary color between a pair of maintenance electrodes because of the relationships described above Separating elements are also omitted for full-color displays become. A color change can be due to the Fluorescent arrangement does not occur.

After switching off the ignition voltage, the gas discharge along the areas 5 between the Maintenance electrodes X and Y - as above described in detail - by the created Maintain alternating voltage because of the previous one Ignition of the gas discharge a bias has occurred whereby a for the maintenance of the gas discharge lower voltage than the minimum ignition voltage Vi is sufficient.

Due to the in the plasma display according to the invention Comparison of the enlargement of the prior art Discharge areas 5 will increase overall Luminous efficacy and brightness with improved resolution achieved.

To avoid unwanted gas discharges in the areas between the maintenance electrodes with the lesser To safely avoid distance e, it may be useful to Contours of the maintenance electrodes 3 and 4 - as in Figure 1b shown - in these areas without sharp To design edges and tips. This will Voltage increases according to the well-known peak effect avoided, which cause undesirable gas discharges could. The contours of the Maintenance electrodes X and Y according to Figure 1c be rounded off to avoid the peak effect.

The staggered arrangement of the pixels of the 1c plasma display according to the invention, which also Offset arrangement is called, has a significant theoretical advantage. Be at a Rectangular aspect ratio plasma display, common are e.g. 4: 3 or 16: 9, the maintenance electrodes X and Y attached parallel to the shorter side are in Comparison to the prior art, with the same horizontal and vertical resolution, only half as many Row electrodes (ignition electrodes) necessary, with the same number Column electrodes (maintenance electrodes). At this arrangement of the electrodes must both Maintenance and ignition electrodes with low resistance be designed. This applies to the Maintenance electrodes generally while shorter Ignition electrodes also made of higher-resistance, conductive material can be produced. A corresponding arrangement with high-resistance ignition electrodes Maintenance electrodes parallel to the long side of the Display on. Then compared to the state of the art, with the same horizontal and vertical resolution, only one third of the column electrodes (ignition electrodes) necessary while the number of row electrodes (Maintenance electrodes) is increased by half. This will reduce the number of electrodes and Driver decreased.

To improve the ignition behavior, the Ignition electrodes as marked with Z in FIG. 1c to be changed. The use of an ignition electrode Z1, a large part of the area of the discharge area takes, has the advantage that during an ignition process generated surface charge becomes larger. Because ignition electrode and one of the maintenance electrodes however like described above for the ignition process cathode and anode represent is an arbitrary enlargement of the area of the Ignition electrode and the associated reduction the distance to the maintenance electrode possible, otherwise the ignition will not take place. To the Increase in surface charge nonetheless can, the ignition electrodes asymmetrically in the Discharge areas are arranged so that the for Ignition necessary distance is reached (ignition electrodes Z2 to Z6). Are the ignition electrodes in the Discharge areas can also be provided with tips the ignition process can still be supported. In this case the higher potential required for ignition at the Maintenance electrode applied to the Lace lies. For the ignition electrodes Z2 to Z6 Ignition electrode A1 thus the maintenance electrodes Y.

If the ignition electrodes are attached in mirror image in the discharge areas of neighboring ones Columns of discharge areas as for the Ignition electrodes Z2 shown, can be achieved that the ignition of the gas discharge within two neighboring ones Pairs of maintenance electrodes (X2, Y2 and Y2, X3) always fixed together with one Maintenance electrode (here: Y). Since the Ignition only against every second Maintenance electrode (here: Y), the Driver other maintenance electrodes (here: Xx) be interpreted weaker. In addition, the Addressing process twice with the same addressing frequency as quickly as possible by establishing the Maintenance electrode for the ignition process simultaneously on two ignition electrodes during the addressing process the ignition voltage can be applied (e.g. ignition electrodes Al and A2).

Figure 7 shows possible embodiments for the structure plasma displays according to the invention and shows a Cut that spans the area of a pair of Maintenance electrodes extends. The used Reference symbols have the for all sub-figures a) to h) same meaning. Reference numerals 1 and 5 are used Marking of carrier substrates, 2 marks one Fluorescent layer, 3 an insulation and Coating layer, 4 denotes an ignition electrode and 6 Maintenance electrodes. The one drawn in Arrow indicates a viewer's gaze.

The different embodiments result from the used material of the ignition electrode, either can be transparent or opaque through which Varying the thickness of the phosphor layer and the type and Way of building the individual components of the Plasma display on the two carrier substrates.

In FIG. 7a, the luminescent layer is on the carrier substrate 1 or luminescent layers 2 applied. On the carrier substrate 5 is the ignition electrode 4, over which the Insulation and tempering layer is attached. The on also isolated the flanks Maintenance electrodes 6 are on the Insulation and coating layer 3. The line of sight lies on the side of the carrier substrate 5. The advantage of Embodiment according to Figure 7a lies in the separate Machinability of the carrier substrates with the phosphor and the electrodes and the high luminous efficacy because the reflection arrangement a thick luminescent layer can be used.

The structure of the embodiment according to Figure 7b corresponds the structure of Figure 7a, is only the viewing direction reversed. Therefore, a thinner luminescent layer must be used are used, which is why a reduced Luminous efficacy results. On the other hand, they can Ignition electrodes 3 made of an opaque material are produced, which is why, for example, the use a thick-film process is possible.

In Figure 7c are on the carrier substrate 1 to the Flanks of insulated maintenance electrodes 6 attached, on the carrier substrate 5, the ignition electrodes 4, the insulation and coating layer 3 and the Fluorescent 2. The direction of view is on the side of the Carrier substrate 5. This embodiment has the advantage on that doe carrier substrates 1 and 5 processed separately can be.

The structure of the embodiment according to Figure 7d corresponds the structure of Figure 7c, is only the direction of view interchanged, which is why because of the usability of a thick luminescent layer gives a high luminous efficiency and opaque ignition electrodes can be used.

In the embodiment of Figure 7e are on the Carrier substrate 1 with the flanks and the surface the insulation and coating layer Maintenance electrodes 6 attached. The areas of the carrier substrate, which between the Maintenance electrodes are with a Provided fluorescent layer. Between two Maintenance electrodes become one of the needed fluorescent colors attached. This in Carrier substrate 5 lying in the viewing direction has the Ignition electrodes 4. Advantages of this embodiment are the high luminous efficiency, the separate workability of the the substrate 5 carrying the address electrodes and the clear one Separation of the phosphors (R, G, B) by the Maintenance electrodes, which are also an improvement the contrast of the plasma display, comparable to that known from the prior art "Black matrix" effect. An additional increase in Luminous efficiency can be achieved if the luminescent layer also the flanks of the maintenance electrodes, such as indicated by the dashed line 6, covers.

The embodiment of Figure 7f corresponds to the Embodiment according to Figure 7e, with the difference that the line of sight is reversed, causing the Luminous efficiency reduced due to the thinner luminescent layer becomes. The reduction in light output can can be counteracted if, as in FIG. 6e, the flanks the maintenance electrodes 6 with a luminescent layer be covered. It can also be opaque Ignition electrodes 4 are used.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 7g all components of the plasma display on the Carrier substrate 1 facing away from the direction of view. On the ignition electrodes 4 are located on the carrier substrate, above the insulation and coating layer 3, on the the maintenance electrodes 6, their flanks are also isolated, are applied. The Luminous layer or layers 2 are between the Maintenance electrodes attached. Completed the plasma display from the second carrier substrate 5 the above for the other embodiments already described advantages such as high luminous efficacy (will continue improved if the edges with analog to Figure 7e Phosphor 7 are coated), the embodiment 7g the particular advantage that all Process steps are carried out on a carrier substrate.

Therefore, there are no problems with it Resizing or warping of the carrier substrate, such as them through necessary temperature treatments during the Manufacturing process can arise. Another advantage can be seen in the fact that the plasma display before the final assembly can be tested since the entire structure of the plasma display on a carrier substrate located.

The embodiment of Figure 7h corresponds to the Embodiment according to Figure 7g, by the additional Using a luminescent layer 2 'is the Luminous efficiency increased. The additional luminescent layer 2 'is in principle in all the illustrated embodiments applicable.

The carrier substrates are usually made of glass manufactured. Carrier substrates that are not in the line of sight can lie with reflective plasma displays from one suitable opaque material.

As a further advantage for the invention Plasma displays according to Figure 1c and 7 results from the large cross section and thus low resistance of the Maintenance electrodes, the power loss decreased. The power loss is also compared to the state of the art further reduced because of the average larger distance of the Maintain electrodes the resulting capacity is reduced, which also means lower time constants set that allow faster control.

Claims (13)

1. Plasma display of the alternating-voltage type, comprising a discharge gas or discharge-gas mixture under a pressure p, a multiplicity of ignition electrodes (1, 2, A) and a multiplicity of maintenance electrodes (3, 4, X, Y) which are disposed in pairs substantially parallel to one another and which are at alternately greater (E) and smaller (e) distances from one another, ignition electrodes (1, 2) and maintenance electrodes (3, 4, X, Y) being arranged in a matrix, characterized in that the distances (e, E) and the pressure p are dimensioned so that gas discharges are produced according to the Paschen law substantially over the respective greater distances (E) and in that an ignition of gas discharges over the respective shorter distances (e) is prevented.
2. Plasma display according to Claim 1, characterized in that, except for the maintenance electrodes (X1, Y7) situated at the periphery, all the maintenance electrodes (X, Y) are a constituent part of two adjacent pairs of maintenance electrodes, and in that regions with greater (E) and smaller (e) distances alternate along the ignition electrodes (A).
3. Plasma display according to Claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that the greater distance (E) is greater than or equal to five times the smaller distance (e).
4. Plasma display according to one of Claims 1 to 3,
   characterized in that the maintenance electrodes (3, 4; X, Y) have rounded contours in the regions of the smaller distances (e).
5. Plasma display according to one of Claims 1 to 4,
   characterized in that the maintenance electrodes (3, 4; X, Y) have a dimension perpendicular to the surface of the carrier substrate which makes it possible to use the maintenance electrodes (3, 4; X, Y) as separating elements for lines and/or columns of pixels or elements of pixels.
6. Plasma display according to one of Claims 1 to 5,
   characterized in that the maintenance electrodes (3, 4; X, Y) are composed of a metal or a metal alloy.
7. Plasma display according to Claim 5, characterized in that the maintenance electrodes (3, 4; X, Y) are produced by electroplating.
8. Plasma display according to one of Claims 2 to 7,
   characterized in that, for multicolour plasma displays, a plurality of phosphors (R, G, B) are disposed alternately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the maintenance electrodes (X, Y).
9. Plasma display according to Claim 8, characterized in that a phosphor (R, G, B) is applied in each case between two adjacent maintenance electrodes (X, Y).
10. Plasma display according to Claim 8 or 9,
    characterized in that the phosphors (R, G, B) cover the flanks of the maintenance electrodes, (X, Y), an insulation and coating layer (3) being situated between the maintenance electrodes (X, Y) and the phosphors.
11. Plasma display according to one of Claims 2 to 10,
    characterized in that the area of the ignition electrodes in the region of the greater distances (E) is asymmetrically increased (Z2 to Z6) with respect to the maintenance electrodes (X, Y) surrounding them.
12. Plasma display according to Claim 11, characterized in that the ignition electrodes in the region of the greater distances have peaks or edges in the direction of one of the maintenance electrodes (X, Y) surrounding them.
13. Plasma display according to Claim 11 or 12,
    characterized in that the orientation (Z2) of the asymmetrical increase in the area of the ignition electrodes alternates from ignition electrode to ignition electrode.

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