DC Gas-Discharge Display Panel with LaB6 Thin-Film Cathode

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Abstract
A dc gas-discharge display panel with LaB6 thin-film cathodes is proposed for data information systems. A thin-film, having a crystallographic orientation of [100], was formed on a Ni thick-film using the electron-beam evaporation technique. The low work function of the crystallographic orientation provided a low operating voltage. The normal cathode fall potential for the thin-film cathode in a Ne+Ar (0.4%) gas discharge was approximately 80 V, about 1/2 that of the commonly used Ni thick-film cathode. The display panel consisted of two glass plates: cathodes were formed on one plate (substrate) and anodes on the other. The cathodes and anodes were perpendicular to each other, and were separated by barriers formed in parallel between the anodes. Low voltage, high luminance, high luminous efficiency and stable operation were attained without the use of Hg.