Discharge tube maintenance voltages for alternating polarity pulses
F L Cruzon, Satsuki Mikoshiba · Journal of Physics D Applied Physics · 1991
The amplitude-V KM (V KM >0) of negative flat-topped pulses required to maintain current flow in a discharge tube is observed as a function of V + , the amplitude of similar flat-topped positive pulses of duration t + , which occur at equal intervals of t q between successive negative pulses. It is shown that the observed reductions of V KM can be explained by assuming that the positive pulses deposit electrical charge on the inside of the discharge tube, and simultaneously deionize the inter-electrode gas. The wall charges therefore survive until the next negative pulse is applied to the cathode. They also enhance the cathode field strength. The importance of the results is considered for cross-talk between discharge tubes in display systems containing many close packed discharge tubes.