Optimization of Sustain Electrode Gap for High-Efficiency Plasma Display by Using a Counter-Electrode Structure

A counter-electrode structure as a microscaled dielectric barrier discharge for an application to the alternating-current plasma display has been investigated with six in-test panels fabricated by using a thick-film ceramic-sheet method. Based on observations of infrared (IR) emission, the optimum sustain electrode gap to generate an efficient positive-column-like microdischarge plasma was suggested. The IR emission as well as the firing and sustain voltages increases with the increasing electrode gap, and the positive-column-like microdischarge plasma was built up for electrode gaps over 400 $muhbox{m}$, which can be used for an intense vacuum ultraviolet source. Furthermore, the luminance and luminous efficiency, as well as the panel capacitance of the counter-electrode structure, were compared with those of the conventional reference structure.