Analysis of the address and sustain discharges in an AC PDP cell using three-dimensional simulation

In the usual two-dimensional (2-D) simulations for the analysis of the plasma discharge in a three-electrodes coplanar-type alternating current plasma display panel (AC PDP) cell, the address electrode is regarded as an infinite plane electrode and the existence of barrier ribs is ignored. We have developed a three-dimensional (3-D) fluid code for the analysis of the plasma discharge in an AC PDP cell, where the address electrode and the barrier ribs can be properly treated. Using this 3-D code, we investigated the dynamics of charged particles and excited species during the address and the sustain periods. Time evolution of the Xe**(≥6 p states) excited species density profile shows a rounded bright head due to the effect of barrier ribs, which is consistent with the infrared images observed using an image intensified charge coupled device. Sustain voltage ranges for the successful sustenance of display discharges after addressing were obtained using both the 2-D and 3-D simulations through the voltage transfer curve analysis. In addition, the UV luminance and the efficiency changes with the variation of sustain voltages were obtained and compared with those of 2-D simulation.