CATHODOLUMINESCENT DISPLAY WITH HOLLOW CATHODES

摘要

A novel structural combination for use in gas discharge panels for generating alpha-numeric and video images which exhibit a high level of brightness, even in panels scanned in a point-at-a-time mode and at television scan rates. The combination includes row-wise extending hollow cathodes comprising upper and lower metal cathode plates between which a hollow cathode discharge is generated. The spacing between cathode plates is selected to insure that an efficient hollow cathode discharge is created. Situated forward of the hollow cathodes are a first electrontransmissive grid means for extracting electrons from the hollow cathode discharge, a second electron-transmissive grid means for controlling the flow of electrons through the first and second grid means, and a faceplate having a , hosphor coating thereon and adapted to receive an energizing potential for accelerating toward the phosphor coating those electrons which pass through the second grid means. The faceplate and the second grid means are spaced apart by a distance which is too small to sustain a gas discharge at a gas pressure which exists in the panel.