Principles and techniques in multicolor DC gas discharge displays

Some aspects of the gas discharges in multicolor displays are discussed. The different techniques for generating visible radiation are mentioned. It is shown that the intrinsic luminous efficiency of a gas discharge is greatly reduced in real display panels by virtue of a number of factors, which are calculated. It appears that the positive column discharge in a gas mixture of argon and mercury vapor gives the highest luminous efficiency. Means of improving the luminous efficiency are indicated. A display with positive column discharges, as used in experiments, is described. The voltage and light output of a pulsed discharge are discussed.