Equilibrium writing in the Display Storage Tube

Summary form only given. When the storage surface of a Display Storage Tube is charged positively with respect to the backing electrode, a radically different electron-optic condition exists in the vicinity of the storage surface. This condition, which differs from the normal DST operating condition, permits low-voltage equilibrium writing, provided certain other conditions are met. Work performed under AF contract P-,,6l5-72-C-154, explored this mode of operation in two Westinghouse Direct View Storage tubes of conventional manufacture. The aim of this study was to determine the design changes required to make a Direct View storage tube which, through equilibrium writing, could update stored data continuously. The equilibrium writing process would "write overt! the existing stored information, thereby refreshing it without having to erase the complete storage surface. Expertmental data, using the electrostatically-deflected WX-\´05" , and a magnetically-deflected WX-,14ll (modified) is given demonstrating successful utilization of equilibrium writing. The performance attainable in contemporary DST\´s, using the continuous update mode of operation, is assessed. Based upon this evaluation, changes in tube design are discussed, leading to a Direct View Storage tube design having the ability to refresh stored data without the need for erasing old information. The advantages of such a device are enumerated.