Boltzmann equation analysis of electron swarm parameters and related properties of Xe/He and Xe/Ne mixtures used for plasma display panels

Abstract

The electron swarm parameters of Xe/He and Xe/Ne mixtures are analysed with a Boltzmann equation method in which secondary generations of electrons through excited atoms are properly considered. The swarm parameters are examined for a wide range of the electron concentrations from the Townsend discharge region to the working condition of plasma display panels (PDPs). Using ionization coefficients obtained in this work and referred values of secondary electron emission coefficients from MgO film, the discharge onset voltage V _b is discussed. The Paschen curves around (p ₀ d )_min at which V _b has a minimum are compared for Xe/He and Xe/Ne mixtures. Under the working conditions for PDP discharges, the radiation rates of ultraviolet light ( = 130, 147 and 173 nm) from the Xe resonance levels and Xe excimer are calculated. A suitable discharge condition for designing PDP is discussed with respect to various values of the gas mixture ratio, gas pressure and reduced electric field.