EP0074440A1 - Anzeigesystem und Verfahren zur Inbetriebnahme - Google Patents

Anzeigesystem und Verfahren zur Inbetriebnahme Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0074440A1
EP0074440A1 EP81304149A EP81304149A EP0074440A1 EP 0074440 A1 EP0074440 A1 EP 0074440A1 EP 81304149 A EP81304149 A EP 81304149A EP 81304149 A EP81304149 A EP 81304149A EP 0074440 A1 EP0074440 A1 EP 0074440A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cathode
anode
apertures
dielectric film
display system
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Application number
EP81304149A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP0074440B1 (de
Inventor
Jacques Marie Hanlet
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to AT81304149T priority Critical patent/ATE26192T1/de
Priority to DE8181304149T priority patent/DE3176050D1/de
Priority to EP81304149A priority patent/EP0074440B1/de
Publication of EP0074440A1 publication Critical patent/EP0074440A1/de
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Publication of EP0074440B1 publication Critical patent/EP0074440B1/de
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J17/00—Gas-filled discharge tubes with solid cathode
    • H01J17/38—Cold-cathode tubes
    • H01J17/48—Cold-cathode tubes with more than one cathode or anode, e.g. sequence-discharge tube, counting tube, dekatron
    • H01J17/49—Display panels, e.g. with crossed electrodes, e.g. making use of direct current
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J17/00—Gas-filled discharge tubes with solid cathode
    • H01J17/38—Cold-cathode tubes
    • H01J17/48—Cold-cathode tubes with more than one cathode or anode, e.g. sequence-discharge tube, counting tube, dekatron
    • H01J17/49—Display panels, e.g. with crossed electrodes, e.g. making use of direct current
    • H01J17/492—Display panels, e.g. with crossed electrodes, e.g. making use of direct current with crossed electrodes
    • H01J17/497—Display panels, e.g. with crossed electrodes, e.g. making use of direct current with crossed electrodes for several colours

Definitions

  • This invention relates to monochromatic and polychromatic display systems and a method of operating same.
  • this invention relates to the construction and operation of display systems which provide matrix displays resulting from the conversion of long wave ultraviolet photons into visible light energy through the fluorescent excitation of fluorescent material compositions, such as synthetic Phosphors.
  • Gas discharge display systems are known in the art and although the present display systems cannot truly be classified as gas discharge displays, such gas discharge systems are believed to be the closest prior art.
  • a plurality of plasma displays may be attained either as alpha-numeric displays having generally linearly or arcuately segmented cathodes, or dot matrix displays.
  • Such prior art systems are generally based on the ionization of a noble gas or gas mixtures. In such prior art systems, the ionization occurs between two flat and parallel electrodes with generally the anode electrode being transparent to light generated in the neighbourhood of the cathode electrode.
  • the length/diameter ratio approximates 30.0 and such prior work dictates that such ratio should be preserved.
  • the diameter correspondingly must be two orders of magnitude less and the pressure two orders of magnitude larger than that found in an available fluorescent tubular structure.
  • Such conditions would be extremely difficult to produce with the known technology, and at the present time are not capable of being manufactured.
  • Another disadvantage of such theoretical prior art is the directionality of the system. In such prior art, the eye of the observer must be aligned with the axis of the tube in order to observe an optimized light intensity.
  • a still further disadvantage is that as the resolution is increased, resulting in the tube diameter decreasing, it is extremely difficult to coat the inner wall of the tube uniformly with the Phosphor composition.
  • the present invention does not require the gaseous medium to produce a measurable amount of ultraviolet energy but relies on the sputtering of atoms of metal from the cathode and the ionization thereof under an applied electric field ionizes to produce an intense ultraviolet glow.
  • the ultraviolet glow thus produced is of a much greater intensity than that of the-ultraviolet glow produced solely from a gaseous medium.
  • Such a display system allows for a wide dynamic range of light intensity with an optimization of the reproducibility of physical characteristics. More importantly, the display system of the invention provides a visual display substantially devoid of any flicker. within the visible bandwidth of the electromagnetic spectrum.
  • the display system of the present invention comprises
  • a method of obtaining a visual display which comprises generating radiation in the ultraviolet bandwidth by ionization of a gaseous medium in the region of a cathode by application of a potential to adjacent cathode and anode assemblies and impinging that radiation on a layer of fluorescent material thereby to convert that radiation into radiation in the visible region of the spectrum, wherein the ultraviolet radiation is generated within the confines of a hollow cathode cell, the side walls of which are lined with a metallic coating, by application of a first potential between said cathode cell and an anode spaced therefrom a predetermined distance and having said gaseous medium contained therebetween, said first potential being effective to obtain ionization of said gaseous medium, and applying a second potential between said cathode cell and anode, whereby gaseous ions are caused to bombard the metallic lining of said cathode cell and to extract therefrom metal atoms which undergo ionization in the gaseous medium with consequential emission of the said
  • display system of the present invention converts energy within the ultraviolet bandwidth of the electromagnetic spectrum into energy within the visible bandwidth of the electromagnetic spectrum through excitation of fluorescent materials, the ultraviolet radiation being generated by a gaseous plasma _ which originates in the negative glow captured in a cylindrically shaped cathode. More particularly, the energy produced comes from ionized atoms of metal which is sputtered from the cathode surface and generally consists of the ionized metals largest spectral lines which are generally found in the ultraviolet bandwidth of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum.
  • a noble gas is ionized by application of a voltage potential between an anode and a generally cylindrical cathode.
  • Application of the potential ionizes the gas producing electrons and gaseous ions.
  • the electrons are displaced toward the anode and the ions are displaced toward the cathode for impingement thereon.
  • the cathode is formed of a metallic coating layer which when impinged by the ion, displaces an electron and subsequently an atom of the metal which is ionized.
  • the atom of metal may be termed to be in a gaseous state and emits ultraviolet energy along its strongest spectral line.
  • the negative glow on the cathode thus provides the origination of the gaseous plasma which is confined within the cylindrical envelope of the cathode structure.
  • the gaseous plasma includes the atoms of metal which are ionized and the particulates of metal sputtered from the cathode surface provides for the ultraviolet spectral radiation lines.
  • a nickel coated cathode When impinged by ionized or metastable atoms of a noble gas such as argon, neon, krypton, or some like gas, a nickel coated cathode would provide an intense radiation at approximately 2300 A° (0.23 ⁇ m). The element mercury would emit at a level of approximately 2500A° (0.25 ⁇ m) however, such would have approximately twice the intensity of the nickel spectral line.
  • a copper coated cathode would emit energy approximately four times as intense as the nickel coated cathode; but at a spectral line of approximately 3200 A° (0.32 ⁇ m). Additionally, other metals such as aluminum would emit at approximately 3900 A° (0.39rm) and lead at 2200 A° (0.22 ⁇ m) however, having different intensity levels.
  • this comprises a hollow cavity cathode having a metallic coating layer formed on the side walls thereof.
  • An annular extension of the metallic coating lies in a plane substantially parallel to an anode element displaced from the cathode.
  • the gas is being ionized and generates electrons, metastables, and ions.
  • Metastables as well as photons are neutral particles and the field has substantially no effect on them and their path direction is generally random.
  • the field has substantially no effect on them and their path direction is generally random.
  • the ions attracted to the cathode and the electrons produced in the gaseous medium are attracted to the anode. Ions intercept the surface of the cathode metallic coating, and if the ions have a sufficient energy they extract an electron from the cathode surface which initially must neutralize the ion. In the event that more than one electron is released during this operation phase, the extra electron is accelerated by the field in a displacement path toward the anode.
  • the positive ions satisfying this process therefore, have an energy at least twice the work function of the metal coating of the cathode. Photons of energy equal to or greater than the work function of the metal coating also extract electrons from the metal by photoelectric effect.
  • the work function for most clean surface metals is between 4.0 and 5.0 electron volts. This energy corresponds to ultraviolet radiation in the approximate bandwidth of 2500 to 3100 Angstroms (0.25 to 0.31 rm).
  • noble gases have low intensity of ultraviolet radiation compared to their radiation intensity in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Such photons contribute minutely in producing secondary electrons fro.n the radiative emission of the gases.
  • the series resistance placed between one of the electrodes, either the anode or the cathode and the supply energy is decreased.
  • This secondary phase of the operation may be attained through well-known scanning mechanisms or in general, by modulation well-known in the art.
  • the resistance is decreased, the current that flows is greater than the current attained in the initial phase of the operation between the annular cathode section and the anode.
  • a display system 10 in accordance with this invention which may be a monochromatic or a polychromatic system.
  • Fig. 1 the parts are shown in exploded relationship for clarity and ease of understanding although it will be understood that in actuality the display system 10 is formed into a hermetically-sealed housing structure as is shown in Figs. 2 and 3 in order to maintain the internal gases at a predetermined pressure, the concept of which is well known in the art.
  • display system 10 is generally formed into a monolithic type structure which greatly aids in optimizing display system 10, due to the high path accuracies of the energy, as well as the close tolerances needed in the overall construction as will be discussed in following paragraphs.
  • Display system 10 includes a cathode assembly 12 which is used for producing energy in the ultraviolet bandwidth of the electro magnetic spectrum from ionization of metallic atoms.
  • Cathode assembly 12 comprises a cathode plate 14 having opposing first and second surfaces 16 and 18 shown in Figs. 2-4.
  • the first and second surfaces 16 and 18 generally are planar in contour and form a plane substantially normal to a vertical direction defined by arrow 20 shown in Figs 2 and 3.
  • Cathode plate 14 is formed of a generally electrically insulating material such as glass, ceramic, or some like material not important to the inventive concept as is herein described.
  • the thickness of cathode plate 14 may be .060 - .170 inches (1.52 to 4.32 mm) with a typical thickness of .080 inches (2.03 mm).
  • Various dimensional characteristics of display system 10 will be elucidated in following paragraphs to generally show scaling and relative dimensions between elements of the display system 10 due to the fact that Figures 1-4 are greatly enlarged.
  • Each cathode plate 14 includes a plurality of cathode openings 22 formed therethrough extending in vertical direction 20, as is clearly seen in Figs. 1-3.
  • Each of cathode openings 22 includes cathode opening axis lines 24, each of which extend in vertical direction 20.
  • cathode openings 22 define a substantially circular contour in a plane normal to axis line 24 of each of cathode plate member openings 22.
  • cathode openings 22 generally provide a cross-sectional area at the first surface 16 of the cathode plate which is larger than the cross-sectional area at the second surface 18. In this manner, cathode openings 22 are seen to be frustoconical in contour. Each of cathode openings 22 is defined by side walls 26 which are inclined. The inclination in upward vertical direction 20 provides an angle with respect to axis lines 24 within the approximate range of 1.0 0 - 5.0 0 with a preferred angle of inclination approximating 3.0°.
  • cathode openings 22 may be formed in a non-inclined cylindrical contour it has been found that inclination of cathode opening sidewalls 26, as herein described, optimizes the directional displacement of the ultraviolet energy formed from the ionization of metallic atoms in an upward vertical direction 20 to impinge on fluorescent material to be described in following paragraphs.
  • each cathode opening 22 includes a metallic coating 28 formed thereon.
  • Metallic coating 28 may be formed of aluminum, nickel, or some like metallic coating which would allow ionization of metallic atoms displaced from the surface during the operation of system 10.
  • Metallic coating 28 forms a metallic film on side walls 26 having a thickness of about .001 -.005 inches (0.025 to 0.127 mm) with a preferred thickness of about .002 inches (0.05 mm).
  • Cathode assembly 12 includes a further metallic coating 30 formed in an annular contour, as is seen in Figs. 1-3 around the cathode opening and bonded to cathode plate member 14 on the second surface 18.
  • Metallic coating annular portions 30 may be and generally are in the preferred embodiment, formed of the same composition as metallic coating 28.
  • Annular portions 30 are generally planar in contour and extend to a predetermined external diameter.
  • Annular portions 30 and side wall metallic coatings 28 may be formed in one- piece formation, or bonded each to the other separately, such not being important to the inventive concept as herein described with the exception that metallic coatings 28 and metallic coating annular .
  • portions 30 be electrically conductive and electrically coupled to each other.
  • metallic coating annular portions 30 include an internal diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the cathode opening 22 adjacent the second surface 18 of the cathode plate 14.
  • Metallic coating annular portion 30 has a predetermined external diameter larger than plate member opening 22, with the external diameter to be discussed in following paragraphs in relation to other elements of system 10.
  • Metallic coatings 28 and metallic coating annular portion 30 may be defined as the cathode elements of the overall cathode assembly 12. Additionally, the plurality of openings 22 are seen to be formed in a matrix pattern within cathode plate 14 defining rows and columns of openings 22 which are common in the display system art. For purposes of ease of description,. column direction 32 is shown in Fig. 4. Additionally, row direction 34 passes normal to column direction 32 and is also provided in Fig. 4.
  • metallic coatings 28 and 30 of each cathode opening 22 are electrically coupled to the adjacent coatings 28 and 30 in a particular column.
  • recess 36 shown in Fig. 3 and 4 is formed within second surface 18 of cathode plate 14 and extends in column direction 32.
  • Recess 36 extends between successive plate member openings 22 formed in a predetermined column.
  • Recesses 36 are filled with a continuous metallic film which is electrically conductive and may be formed of aluminum, or some like electrically conductive composition. In this manner, metallic coatings 28 and 30 of particular openings 22 in a predetermined column are electrically coupled each to the other.
  • cavities or openings 22 shown in Figs. 1-4 such may typically range from 0.10 - 0.005 inches (2.54 to 0.127 mm) in diameter, with a separation distance of about 0.004 inches (0.1mm) between peripheral side walls 26.
  • an opening 22 having a 0.010 inch (0.25 mm) diameter would be separated from a next consecutive or adjacent opening 22 by approximately 0.014 inches (0.356 mm) to provide a resolution of 70.0 display areas or dots per inch (2.75 dots per mm).
  • Display system 10 further includes dielectric film member 38 having first and second opposing surfaces 40 and 42 formed in a planar contour.
  • dielectric film member first surface 40 is bonded or otherwise securely fastened to second surface 18 of cathode plate 14.
  • dielectric film member 38 includes a plurality of openings -44 formed therethrough with each opening 44 having an axis line substantially aligned with axis lines 24 of each opening 22 in the cathode plate.
  • Dielectric film member openings 44 are substantially aligned with metallic coating annular portions 30 and include a diameter substantially equal to the external diameter of annular portions 30. In this manner, openings 44 are insertable around each of annular portions 30, as is clearly evident in Figs. 2 and 3.
  • dielectric film member first surface 40 is fused to cathode plate member second surface 18 or otherwise bonded in fixed securement thereto.
  • Dielectric film member 38 is used as an electrical insulator and may be formed of a glass film or some like composition.
  • Display system 10 further includes a plurality of anode elements 46 bonded to second surface 42 of dielectric film member 38.
  • anode elements 46 are generally annular in contour and are coupled each to the other in row direction 34.
  • Anode elements 46 include openings 48 defining a vertically directed axis line coincident with the axis lines 24 of the cathode openings.
  • anode elements 46 have an internal diameter substantially equal to the external diameter of metallic coating annular portions 30 of cathode elements 12.
  • the diameter of anode openings 48 are substantially equal to the diameter of the dielectric film member openings 44 as is clearly seen in Fig. 2.
  • a shoulder section is formed between metallic coating annular portion 30 and the internal surfaces of dielectric film member openings 44 and anode openings 48.
  • Anode elements 46 further include anode coupling elements 50 for electrically coupling a plurality of anode elements 46 in row direction 34 to each other.
  • the purpose of anode coupling elements 50 is to electrically couple consecutively positioned rows of anode elements 46 each with respect to the other, as is shown.
  • Anode elements 46 and corresponding anode coupling elements 50 are formed of an electrically conducting material such as aluminum, or some like metal which may be applied to dielectric film member second surface 42.
  • anodes 46 and coupling elements 50 may be silk-screened to second surface 42 of dielectric film member 38.
  • the basic mechanism of securing anode elements 46 and coupling elements 50 to dielectric film member 38 is not important to the inventive concept, with the exception that the ' method utilized provides for the fixed positional location of the elements, as has hereinbefore been described.
  • Display panel member 52 is secured to first surface 16 of cathode plate member l4. ⁇ Display panel member 52, as will be described in following paragraphs, is substantially transparent to a bandwidth of the electromagnetic spectrum substantially comprising the ultraviolet bandwidth. Additionally, display panel member 52 has formed thereon a plurality of fluorescent material patches or coatings 54 for intercepting ultraviolet energy from the ionization of metal atoms from metallic coating 28 within the cathode cavity.
  • Display panel member 52 includes opposing first and second surfaces 56 and 58, as is shown in Figs. 2 and 3.
  • Display panel member 52 is bonded or secured to cathode plate member 14 through sealing black glass frit film 60, shown in Figs.2 and 3.
  • Film 60 provides a vacuum seal between display panel member 52 and cathode plate member 14 and further provides for substantial optical isolation of each cathode cavity when taken with respect to other cathode cavities formed adjacent thereto.
  • Glass frit film 60 may have a thickness within the range of about 0.0005 - 0.001 inches (0.013 to 0.025 mm).
  • a printing screen may be used having openings corresponding to all but cathode openings 22. In this manner, panel member first surface 56 is -bonded to cathode plate member first surface 16 in secured fashion.
  • Display panel member 52 is formed of an ultraviolet transparent glass having a thickness of about 0.004 inches (0.1 mm).
  • Fluorescent material 54 is secured to panel member second surface 58 in registration above cathode openings 22.
  • fluorescent material 54 includes a diameter substantially equal to cathode openings 22 and having axis lines coincident with cathode opening axis line 24.
  • Fluorescent material 54 may be one of a number of compositions such as various Phosphor compositions which radiate responsive to ultraviolet energy impinging thereon. A wide range of Phosphor. compositions well-known in the art may be used as fluorescent material 54.
  • Fluorescent material Phosphor elements 54 may be protected against abrasion by protective layer element 62.
  • Layer element 62 may be a microsheet of glass, or such may be a metallo organic solution to . form a coating of low refractive index and high abrasion resistance.
  • protective layer element 62 contacts both fluorescent material elements 54 and display panel member second surface 58.
  • Display system 10 further includes back panel member 64 displaced from the anode element 46 and the dielectric film member 38.
  • Back panel member 64 is in fixed displacement with respect to element 30 and 46 forming internal chamber 66, as is shown in Fig.3.
  • frame rod members 68 extend in column direction 32, as is shown in Figs. 2-4.
  • Frame rod members 68 maintain a fixed spaced relation of back panel member 64 with respect to the structure of cathode plate member 14.
  • Frame rod members 68 may be formed of glass having an approximate diameter of 0.010 inches (0.25 mm).
  • Frame rod members 68 are secured to back panel member 64 by adhesive means such as a frame paste, or some like material.
  • Back panel member 64 may be formed of a glass composition having a thickness within the range of about 0.060 - .120 inches (1.5 to 3 mm).
  • Back panel member 64 includes internal surface 70 which is coated with a film of aluminum or like- metallic coating which is reflective for ultraviolet radiation.
  • the metallic coating over back panel member internal surface 70 is continuous in nature and is used'for providing an equipotential electrode as well as providing an ion collection element for ions escaping from cathode mechanism 12.
  • a frame of sealing glass frit may be screen printed around a common peripheral boundary in order to form a gas tight enclosure.
  • One of frame rod member 68 may be formed in the overall peripheral contour of display system 10 and inserted between back panel member 64 and cathode mechanism 12.
  • Internal chamber 66 has a gaseous medium inserted therein to essentially fill the volume provided by the internal chamber 66, as well as cathode cavities.
  • the gaseous medium is ionized by an electrical field applied to anode elements 46 and cathode mechanism 12. Gaseous ions impinging on metallic coating 28 sputter the metal atoms to produce ultraviolet energy, as has hereinbefore been described.
  • the gaseous medium inserted internal to display system 10 is formed of a substantially inert gaseous composition and may be formed from the group consisting of neon, argon, krypton, xenon or combinations thereof.
  • Back panel member 64 serves as a common or equipotential electrode. Due to the cylindrical contour of cathode mechanism 12, a minimum of sputtering exits from cathode openings 22. As is well-known, prior art plasma display sputtering forms deposits on the anode surfaces. However, with the electrode configuration as provided by metallic coating 28 ⁇ and annular portion 30 of the subject display system, an electric field is established between common electrode or back panel member 64 and cathode annular portion 30. An electric field is also established between anode 46 and cathode annular portion 30.
  • back panel internal surface 70 and annular portion 30 The field gradient which exists between back panel internal surface 70 and annular portion 30 is sufficient to attract metal atoms passing from cathode metallic coating 30 and such are deposited on internal surface 70 of back panel member 64 rather than on anode elements 46.
  • the electrical field between back panel member internal surface 70 and annular portion 30 is not sufficient to initiate any discharge between the displaced but parallel electrodes defined by metallic coating annular portion 30 and internal surface 70 of back panel member 64. Due to the fact that internal surface 70 is reflecting and opaque in composition, surface 70 continues to reflect light which may escape from cathode cavities defined by the cathode openings 22.
  • the initial step is in providing cathode mechanism 12 for producing energy in the ultraviolet bandwidth of the electromagnetic spectrum from ionization of metal atoms.
  • a matrix of through or cathode openings 22 are formed in cathode plate member 14 which has opposing first and second surfaces 16 and 18, respectively.
  • Through cathode openings 22 define cathode opening side walls 28 within plate member 14, as is clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 3.
  • cathode plate member 14 is formed of an insulating material such as a glass or ceramic composition. A number of fabrication techniques may be used in forming cathode plate member 14 having appropriate cathode openings 22.
  • a moulded plate of ceramic or glass having the appropriate matrix cathode openings 22 corresponding to a predetermined resolution may be-formed.
  • cathode plate member 14 may be produced by using a ceramic coating such as No. 528 ceramic from Aremco Products, Inc., or a fritted glass commonly referred to as No. EE 10 from Owens-Illinois Company, have been successfully utilized.
  • Another method of fabrication can easily be seen in providing cathode plate member 14 in continuous form and establishing a plurality of drill heads positionally located in the appropriate matrix alignment necessary to produce a predetermined resolution.
  • the drill heads would be tapered within the approximating range of 1 0 - 5 0 with a preferred taper of 3°. Actuation of the drill heads in unison and -contact as well as passage through cathode plate member 14 may be accomplished in one step, and provide the necessary through or cathode openings 22.
  • the step of providing cathode mechanism 22 further will include the step of coating through opening side walls 26 with a metallic coating such as aluminum, or some like metal.
  • the step of coating side walls 26 with metallic coating 28 may be provided in a plurality of method steps.
  • One step is by applying a metallic fluid paste on cathode plate member first surface 16 and compressively forcing the metallic paste through the through openings 22. This may be done by application of a squeegee, a roller mechanism, or some like device which would provide displacement characteristics to the metallic paste being used. The metallic paste would then be forcibly actuated or displaced within openings 22.
  • Another way in which coating of side walls 26 may be accomplished is by positioning a screen member over plate member first surface 16 wherein the screen member has a multiplicity of openings formed therethrough in axial alignment with cathode opening axis lines 24.
  • a metallic fluid paste is then inserted on an upper surface of the screen member and compressively displaced through the openings formed in the screen member.
  • the metallic paste is then forced or displaced through the plate member openings 22.
  • the step of displacing the metallic paste through the openings 22 includes the step of applying a pressure differential between first and second surfaces 16 and 18 respectively of cathode plate member 14. A lower pressure is established at plate member second surface 18 when taken with respect to plate member first surface 16. In this manner, the metallic fluid paste is drawn through plate member openings 22 to form a metallic coating of predetermined thickness on side walls 26.
  • the step of drawing the metallic paste through openings 22 may be accomplished in a variety of ways, one of which being to apply a low pressure vacuum pump suction surface at plate member second surface 18.
  • the printing screen previously described is commercially well-known in the art and would include a plurality of matrix openings aligned with cathode openings 22 in plate member 14. The openings within the printing screen would be positionally located in alignment with openings 22 and opaque throughout the remainder of the surface of the printing screen.
  • a number of metallic fluid pastes may be utilized, one of which being a metallic fluid paste formed of an aluminum composition, such as No. 6110 manufactured by Electro-Oxide Corporation, or another paste formed of nickel such as No. 9531 Nycil, produced by Dupont Corporation may be used.
  • the metallic paste or ink passing through openings 22 may be produced by gravity assist, as has been stated, a moderate suction may be applied on second t surface 18 of plate member 14, which would leave a film of metallic paste approximating 0.002 inches (0.05 mm) in thickness on side walls 26. It is to be understood that the film thickness may be controlled by adjusting the viscosity of the metallic ink in well-known manners.
  • the basic step of providing cathode mechanism 12 further includes the step of establishing metallic coating annular portions 30 on cathode plate member second surface 18.
  • the formation of metallic coating 28 on side walls 26 may include the formation of annular portions 30, however, a number of fabrication techniques may be utilized in providing annular portion 30.
  • annular portion 30 is coupled to coating 28 on side walls 26.
  • annular portions 30 are electrically coupled each to the other in row direction 34 by the inclusion of linearly directed recesses 36 formed within second surface 18 of cathode plate member 14.
  • Recesses 36 may be formed by moulding, milling, or some like technique not important to the inventive concept as herein described. Recesses 36 may then be filled with a metallic ink or paste to provide appropriate coupling between row directed annular portions 30.
  • the step of establishing annularly contoured metallic extension layers or annular portions 30 may include the step of masking plate member second surface 18 with a screen having screen openings formed therethrough.
  • the screen openings are axially aligned with plate member openings 22 and the screen openings having a predetermined diameter greater than plate member through opening diameters at plate member second surface 18.
  • a metallic coating layer may be applied to the masking screen and compressively interfaced in order to force the metallic coating paste through the openings formed in the masking screen.
  • Dielectric film member 38 is bonded to second surface 18 of cathode plate member 14.
  • Dielectric film member 38 has a plurality of openings of predetermined diameter substantially equal to the external diameter of annular portions 30.
  • Dielectric film member openings have an axis line which is aligned with axis lines 24 of each of the matrix of two openings 22 of plate member 14. Bonding of dielectric film member 38 may be provided by fusing, adhesive coupling, or some like technique not important to the inventive concept as is herein described.
  • a masking screen having a negative type pattern in relation to openings 22 may be used for forming dielectric film member 38 on second surface 18 in a manner similar to that previously provided for application of metallic paste for metallic coatings 28.
  • Anode elements 46 are secured to dielectric film member second surface 42.
  • Anode elements 46 include a plurality of annularly contoured configurations having an internal diameter which is substantially equal to the predetermined diameter of the openings formed in dielectric film member 38.
  • Anode elements 46 are electrically coupled each to the other through anode coupling elements 50, as is clearly seen in the Figures.
  • application of anode elements 46 and their associated coupling elements 50 may be applied through a masking screen type technique, well-known in the art.
  • the method of manufacturing or fabricating discharge display system 10 further includes the step of establishing display panel member 52 in bonded relation to first surface 16 of cathode plate member 14.
  • Display panel member 52 includes a plurality of fluorescent material coatings 54 secured thereto. Coatings 54 are positionally located in registration with plate member through openings 22.
  • a printing screen having formed thereon a negative pattern of the screen used to fill through openings 22 is used to deposit a film of sealing black glass frit 60 to a thickness in the range 0.0005 - 0.001 inches (0.013 to 0.025 mm). Black glass frit film 60 provides a vacuum tight seal between cathode plate member 14 and display panel member 52.
  • Display panel member 52 is composed of substantially an ultraviolet transparent glass having a thickness approximating 0.004 inches (0.1 mm).
  • Display panel member 52 is commercially available and may be No.75183A manufactured by Owens-Illinois Corp., or Microsheet No. 9741 manufactured by Corning Glass Work, Inc.
  • the combination of display panel member 52, frit film 60, and cathode plate member 14 is fired with a uniform pressure maintained in a compressive state on panel member 52 in order to provide uniformity of sealing.
  • a frame of sealing glass frit may be screen printed on dielectric film member second surface 42 around the periphery of display system 10.
  • the sealing glass frit which is printed may have a thickness within the range 0.0015 - 0.002 inches (0.038 - 0.051 mm) with a width of about 0.1 - 0.2 inches (2.5 to 5 mm).
  • a glass rod member similar to the cylindrical contour of frame rod members 68 is deformed to assume the periphery of the sealing glass frit and is positionally located over the printed peripherally directed frit. The deformed glass rod may be maintained in place by frame paste being applied between surface 42 and the rod itself.
  • a plurality of frame rod members 68 having a diameter within the approximate range of 0.005 - 0.010 inches (0.13 - 0.26 mm) are then positionally located and fixedly secured by the aforementioned frame paste.
  • the entire panel system is then fired in a nitrogen environment with a compressive pressure appied to the frame rod, as well as frame rod members 68 until the glass forms a glaze.
  • Back panel member 64 formed of a standard glass composition and having a substantially equal cross-sectional area to that of cathode plate member 14 is coated on internal surface 70 with a film of aluminum; or some like metallic coating which is reflective to ultraviolet light.
  • the overall thickness of back panel member 64 may be within the range 0.060 - 0.120 inches (1.5 to 3 mm).
  • a peripheral frame of glass frit substantially identical to the frame glass frit secured to second surface 42 is deposited or otherwise coated on the metallic coating of internal surface 70.
  • Cathode plate member 14 and back panel member 64 are placed in contiguous relation each to the other between a pair of flat carbon susceptors with the aforementioned panels being aligned each with respect to the other.
  • the entire system is then placed in a vacuum environment to achieve a residual pressure approximating 10 -7 mm Hg where the system is then heated to a temperature approximating 450°C. for a predetermined time to eliminate various residual gases from the glass compositions.
  • the vacuum environment is isolated from a pumping station and an inert gas or mixture of gas which may comprise approximately 98.0% argon and 2.0% krypton is inserted into internal chamber 66 to establish a pressure approximating 24.0 - 25.0 mm Hg.
  • an inert gas or mixture of gas which may comprise approximately 98.0% argon and 2.0% krypton is inserted into internal chamber 66 to establish a pressure approximating 24.0 - 25.0 mm Hg.
  • the temperature of the susceptors is raised to the softening point of the glass frit which makes up the sealing frame. Referring to the glass frit produced by Owens-Illinois Corp., the temperature is in the neighbourhood of 530 0 C. When this limiting temperature is achieved by display system 10, the temperature is then lowered at a rate compatible with residual stress constraints.
  • a photographic emulsion composition layer which may be one or a number of photographic emulsion compositions, one of such being commercially available is referred to as Kodak Photo Resist.
  • Anode elements 46 and predetermined cathode elements of cathode mechanism 12 are energised by voltage pulses in order to sensitize corresponding areas of the photographic emulsion composition above predetermined cathode openings 22.
  • the energization is provided for positionally locating rows of the same colour.
  • the photographic emulsion composition is formed into a tacky composition in an area intercepted by ultraviolet energy emitted from cathode openings 22.
  • the area being energized is substantially axially in alignment with plate member openings 22 being energized defining the sensitized region.
  • the photographic emulsion composition is then removed from the unsensitized region of display panel member 52 by washing away the unsensitized photographic emulsion composition. Thus, there remains on surface 58 the predetermined areas which are aligned with openings 22.
  • a fluorescent material composition is then appied to display panel 52 and the fluorescent material composition is adhesively captured by the sensitized photographic emulsion composition.
  • the entire structure is then heated to permanently fix or secure the fluorescent material composition to the sensitized emulsion composition.
  • the method steps. are the repeated for each colour in order to finally form a polychromatic display panel 52.
  • the step of heating is then followed by the step of applying a protective layer over the now fixed fluorescent material composition.
  • the protective layer 62 may be a microsheet of glass or a metallo organic composition such as No. GR650 produced by Owens-Illinois Corp., which forms a coating of low refractive index and high abrasion resistance.
  • Fig. 5 is presented to provide clarification of the alignment and coupling of cathode mechanism 12 and anode elements 46. It is to be understood, that this figure is not structurally drawn, but is used as a pictorial schematic to show alignment of the various elements when used in a polychromatic display system 10. As can be seen, there appears a pair of anode lines 72 and 74 directed orthogonal to cathode couplings 36 with appropriate fluorescent material compositions 54 applied at the intersection positional location. The various fluorescent material dots 54 are provided to produce the visible colours of red, blue, and green to achieve appropriate polychromatic visual displays.

Landscapes

  • Gas-Filled Discharge Tubes (AREA)
  • Formation Of Various Coating Films On Cathode Ray Tubes And Lamps (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
EP81304149A 1981-09-10 1981-09-10 Anzeigesystem und Verfahren zur Inbetriebnahme Expired EP0074440B1 (de)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT81304149T ATE26192T1 (de) 1981-09-10 1981-09-10 Anzeigesystem und verfahren zur inbetriebnahme.
DE8181304149T DE3176050D1 (en) 1981-09-10 1981-09-10 Display system and method of operating same
EP81304149A EP0074440B1 (de) 1981-09-10 1981-09-10 Anzeigesystem und Verfahren zur Inbetriebnahme

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP81304149A EP0074440B1 (de) 1981-09-10 1981-09-10 Anzeigesystem und Verfahren zur Inbetriebnahme

Publications (2)

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EP0074440A1 true EP0074440A1 (de) 1983-03-23
EP0074440B1 EP0074440B1 (de) 1987-03-25

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EP (1) EP0074440B1 (de)
AT (1) ATE26192T1 (de)
DE (1) DE3176050D1 (de)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1996004672A1 (en) * 1994-08-03 1996-02-15 Alliedsignal Inc. A gas discharge display having printed circuit board members and method of making same
EP0813220A1 (de) * 1996-06-12 1997-12-17 Fujitsu Limited Flaches Anzeigegerät
US7196471B2 (en) 1996-06-12 2007-03-27 Fujitsu Limited Flat display device

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102005002142A1 (de) * 2005-01-12 2006-07-20 Forschungsverbund Berlin E.V. Mikroplasmaarray
KR100795796B1 (ko) * 2006-04-03 2008-01-21 삼성에스디아이 주식회사 플라즈마 디스플레이용 패널, 그 제조 방법, 그 패널을포함하는 플라즈마 디스플레이 패널 및 그 제조 방법

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US3803439A (en) * 1972-09-29 1974-04-09 Oki Electric Ind Co Ltd Cold cathode discharge display apparatus
US3873870A (en) * 1972-07-07 1975-03-25 Hitachi Ltd Flat display panel
US3882342A (en) * 1974-07-30 1975-05-06 Japan Broadcasting Corp Gas discharge display panel for color picture reproduction
US3886389A (en) * 1973-12-26 1975-05-27 Burroughs Corp Display panel
US3886395A (en) * 1973-07-27 1975-05-27 Hitachi Ltd Flat, gaseous discharge, phosphor display panel with offset subsidiary electrodes
US3886390A (en) * 1974-08-29 1975-05-27 Burroughs Corp Buttable, gaseous discharge, display panel including electrodes providing a dot matrix display
US3890609A (en) * 1973-04-05 1975-06-17 Oki Electric Ind Co Ltd Low voltage cold cathode discharge type display devices with metal oxide cathode and phosphor anode matrix
US3896327A (en) * 1972-03-29 1975-07-22 Owens Illinois Inc Monolithic gas discharge display device
US3956667A (en) * 1974-03-18 1976-05-11 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Luminous discharge display device
US3984720A (en) * 1974-03-25 1976-10-05 Okaya Denki Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha Discharge display device
US3986074A (en) * 1972-02-28 1976-10-12 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Luminous radiation panel apparatus
US4047077A (en) * 1975-02-26 1977-09-06 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Discharge display device (plasma-panel)
US4176297A (en) * 1976-10-26 1979-11-27 Her Majesty The Queen In Right Of Canada, As Represented By The Minister Of National Defence Ultra violet initiated gas discharge visual display matrix

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NL278331A (de) * 1961-06-06
US4376256A (en) * 1980-03-05 1983-03-08 Alpha-Omega Development, Inc. Segment display system

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US3986074A (en) * 1972-02-28 1976-10-12 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Luminous radiation panel apparatus
US3896327A (en) * 1972-03-29 1975-07-22 Owens Illinois Inc Monolithic gas discharge display device
US3873870A (en) * 1972-07-07 1975-03-25 Hitachi Ltd Flat display panel
US3803439A (en) * 1972-09-29 1974-04-09 Oki Electric Ind Co Ltd Cold cathode discharge display apparatus
US3890609A (en) * 1973-04-05 1975-06-17 Oki Electric Ind Co Ltd Low voltage cold cathode discharge type display devices with metal oxide cathode and phosphor anode matrix
US3886395A (en) * 1973-07-27 1975-05-27 Hitachi Ltd Flat, gaseous discharge, phosphor display panel with offset subsidiary electrodes
US3886389A (en) * 1973-12-26 1975-05-27 Burroughs Corp Display panel
US3956667A (en) * 1974-03-18 1976-05-11 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Luminous discharge display device
US3956667B1 (de) * 1974-03-18 1983-06-07
US3984720A (en) * 1974-03-25 1976-10-05 Okaya Denki Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha Discharge display device
US3882342A (en) * 1974-07-30 1975-05-06 Japan Broadcasting Corp Gas discharge display panel for color picture reproduction
US3886390A (en) * 1974-08-29 1975-05-27 Burroughs Corp Buttable, gaseous discharge, display panel including electrodes providing a dot matrix display
US4047077A (en) * 1975-02-26 1977-09-06 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Discharge display device (plasma-panel)
US4176297A (en) * 1976-10-26 1979-11-27 Her Majesty The Queen In Right Of Canada, As Represented By The Minister Of National Defence Ultra violet initiated gas discharge visual display matrix

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1996004672A1 (en) * 1994-08-03 1996-02-15 Alliedsignal Inc. A gas discharge display having printed circuit board members and method of making same
EP0813220A1 (de) * 1996-06-12 1997-12-17 Fujitsu Limited Flaches Anzeigegerät
US6297582B1 (en) 1996-06-12 2001-10-02 Fujitsu Limited Flat display device
US6630789B2 (en) 1996-06-12 2003-10-07 Fujitsu Limited Flat display device
US7088042B2 (en) 1996-06-12 2006-08-08 Fujitsu Limited Flat display device
US7196471B2 (en) 1996-06-12 2007-03-27 Fujitsu Limited Flat display device
US7339319B2 (en) 1996-06-12 2008-03-04 Fujitsu Limited Flat display device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3176050D1 (en) 1987-04-30
ATE26192T1 (de) 1987-04-15
EP0074440B1 (de) 1987-03-25

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