Fabrication and characteristics of LaB6-doped MgO protective layer for plasma display panels

Lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) doped MgO film was fabricated by the magnetron sputtering method as a new protective layer for alternating current plasma display panel (AC PDP). Surface morphology, optical properties and discharge characteristics were discussed by varying LaB6 doping concentration. It was demonstrated that this film was effective in decreasing the firing voltage of AC PDP. Especially when the LaB6 doping concentration was 3%, the firing voltage was reduced by 17% compared with the conventional MgO layer under 10% Xe-Ne of 400 Torr. The results suggest that this new protective layer is beneficial to decrease the electrical power consumption of AC PDP.