Virtually all dot-matrix AC-plasma display panels (i.e., AC-PDPs) in use today incorporate a thin-film coating of MGO. This dielectric is used for its combination of high electron emissivity coupled with excellent stability with respect to its resistance to sputtering under the vigorous conditions associated with a high energy gas discharge. The low electron work-function and highly refractive nature of MGO were responsible for the early success of AC-PDPs in becoming the first practical flat-panel display technology. In order to advance this technology in the 1990s with regard to reducing cost and increasing performance, it is proposed that a program to evaluate new, high emissivity, refractory alloys be investigated . The proposed program would take advantage of recent advances made in developing high emissivity, mixed crystal alloys for use in high-performance CRT cathodes. Development of a higher-efficiency AD-PDP would not only reduce power consumption, but would allow the use of advanced manufacturing techniques to also reduce system cost. The implications of higher efficiency are lower voltage and lower power drivers, which allows: higher chip integration, use of chip-on-glass technology, reduced interconnect costs, reduced power supply costs, reduced packaging costs, and a flat-panel monitor that is lighter in weight, thinner in profile, and more efficient on batteries. Anticipated benefits/potential commercial applications - the proposed program, if successful, would have a dramatic impact on improving performance and reducing cost for both monochrome and color flat-panel video AC-PDP monitors. The improved AC-pdp technology, in addition to being lower cost, would be lighter in weight, thinner in profile, and more power efficient on batteries. It would also propel the US. Into a lead position in HDTV and provide the military with better display technology.
