Analysis of microdischarge characteristics induced by synchronized auxiliary address pulse based on cross-sectional infrared observation in AC plasma display panel

The microdischarge characteristics induced by an auxiliary address pulse with the synchronized application of sustain pulses are investigated based on cross-sectional infrared (IR) (823 nm) observations taken using an image-intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) camera. The IR observations reveal that the application of an auxiliary short pulse with an optimal amplitude and width to the address electrode enhances the intensity of the IR emission. Furthermore, the cross-sectional IR observations demonstrate that the effective infrared emission region is extended toward the address electrode. In addition, a numerical analysis using a two-dimensional fluid simulation is also applied to investigate the discharge mechanism relative to the amplitude and width of the auxiliary address pulse. As a result, the improvement in the luminance and luminous efficiency was found to be caused by a face discharge between the address and the sustain (or scan) electrodes, where the face discharge plays an important role in supplying priming particles to the surface discharge and lengthening the discharge path, which in turn intensifies the surface discharge.