Plasma memory devices

Journal Article · Wed Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Bulletin of the American Physical Society

OSTI ID:67874

Drallos, P J; Nagorny, V P; Williamson, W Jr ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Toledo, OH (United States)

The operation of certain gas discharge devices, such as AC-plasma display panels, depends on a {open_quotes}memory{close_quotes} capability, which is accomplished through the interaction of the discharge and dielectric layers on the electrode surfaces. Typically, a single memory unit is comprised of a pair of parallel-plate electrodes, each coated with a thin insulating layer of dielectric. A source gas fills the remaining space between the electrodes. The electrodes are supplied with a square-wave, sustain potential. This potential is insufficient to produce a discharge when the dielectric is in an unchanged, or memory-off state. However, when the electrodes are charged (memory-on state), the added potential due to the free charge, combines with the sustain potential, producing a brief discharge and leaving the dielectric in an equal but oppositely charged, memory-on state. {open_quotes}Write{close_quotes} and {open_quotes}erase{close_quotes} pulses control the dielectric surface charge, or memory state. These are accomplished by adjusting the magnitude and timing of the applied potential. Boltzmann computer simulations of the various duty cycles of these devices will be presented, and applications to AC-plasma display panels will be discussed.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratory
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 67874
• Report Number(s): CONF-9310400--
• Journal Information: Bulletin of the American Physical Society, Journal Name: Bulletin of the American Physical Society Journal Issue: 13 Vol. 38; ISSN BAPSA6; ISSN 0003-0503
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
DISPLAY DEVICES
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
OPERATION