The Effect of Disordered Microscale Holes in the Front Dielectric Layer of AC Plasma Display Panels

Using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) beads, disordered microscale holes were fabricated in the front dielectric layer of ac plasma display panels. The density of the disordered microscale holes was easily controlled by varying the weight percentage of the PMMA beads. As their density increased, the voltage of self-erasing discharge and the minimum sustain voltage decreased. In addition, the sustain discharge time lag was improved according to the measurement results of the response time and spatiotemporal infrared emission from an intensified charge-coupled device camera. The wall voltage at the state of sustain discharge was investigated by measuring the threshold voltage using wall voltage measurement system. In the test panel of the front dielectric layer with disordered microscale holes, the wall voltage increased. In addition, the increase in the wall voltage at the state of sustain discharge was improved as the density of the disordered microscale holes increased. The decrease in the self-erasing discharge and minimum sustain voltage and the improvement of the sustain discharge time lag resulted from a strong electric field that originated in the increase in the wall voltage.