Improvement of the luminous efficiency of plasma display panels by numerical simulation

Summary form only given, as follows. Plasma display panels (PDPs) are one of the leading candidates in the competition for large-size, high-brightness flat panel displays, suitable for high definition television (HDTV) monitors. One of the major challenges in the process of commercializing of PDPs is the improvement of the luminous efficiency of the panel. Experimental diagnostic measurements of plasma discharges in PDPs are extremely difficult due to the very small cell dimensions and complicated panel structure. As a result, computer modeling is currently essential for understanding PDP physics and optimizing its operation. In this work, a two-dimensional simulation model is used to investigate ways to increase the luminous efficiency by varying the sustaining voltage waveform shape and PDP cell structure. The model utilized here is based on self-consistent simulation of the microdischarges in the PDP cell. The space and time variation of the electric field within the cell is self-consistently determined by solving the fluid equations for ions and electrons together with Poisson´s equation, subject to the boundary conditions imposed by the electrode boundaries. The electrical model is coupled to a model of excited species kinetics and UV emission. Recently, different variations of the standard coplanar-electrode cell structure, used in most commercial products, have been proposed as a way to substantially increase the luminous efficiency. In addition, experimental studies suggest that use of sustaining voltage waveform shapes other than the standard rectangular pulse can improve the luminous efficiency of the PDP cell. Our simulation studies investigate the effect of these variations on the luminous efficiency and voltage margin of the cell.