FLAT-PANEL DISPLAY HAVING MAGNETIC ELEMENTS

摘要

A flat-panel gas discharge display operable with either alternating or direct current includes magnetic elements within certain of the electrodes (16) which define the discharge cell. The display may be free of implosive forces when operated at least at substantially atmospheric pressure. The display comprises a first set of conductors (12) disposed on a transparent substrate (14) and a second set (16) crossing over the first set (12) at a distance therefrom. The second set of conductors (16) includes a magnetic core (144) or layer whereby the second set of conductors (16) is magnetically attracted to an array of contact points on the substrate (14). An array of crosspoints is formed at each location where a conductor of the second set (16) crosses over a conductor of the first set (12). A gas is contained in the space between the first and second sets of conductors at each crosspoint. The gas will undergo light emissive discharge when a voltage greater than or equal to the Paschen minimum firing voltage is applied at a crosspoint. Air may be used as the operative gas. The display is formed on a single substrate (14). A system incorporating the flat-panel display is presented.