Light-addressable gas-discharge display panel

A light-addressable gas-discharge display panel utilizing a matrix array of light-emitting gas discharges which can be selectively turned on by light has been demonstrated. This panel is similar in construction to the display panel by J. F. Nolan at the 1969 International Electron Devices Meeting except that the glass dielectric of one wall of the panel was replaced by a photoconductor-glass composite layer. The panel is operated in the dark at a sustaining voltage slightly below the voltage required for as ignition. Ignition of selected cells of the panel occurs by interaction of light with the photosensitive layer. By this means light write-in to a plasma panel is achieved. For particular conditions of operation and structures, long stay-on time and erasure by light or voltage pulsing are attained.