Phosphors for plasma‐display panels: Demands and achieved performance

Almost two‐thirds of the discharge cells in plasma‐display panels (PDPs) are covered with phosphors. Beyond the efficient conversion of vacuum UV photons into visible light, the phosphor layer serves as a reflective mirror transporting light in the desired viewing direction. The quantum efficiency of state‐of‐the‐art PDP phosphors is, at its upper limit, 80–95%. Today's improved blue‐emitting BaMgAl₁₀O₁₇:Eu (BAM) phosphor still deteriorates during panel processing and operation, resulting in a loss of efficiency and color purity. A reduction in the phosphor particle size below 2 μm is suited to ease panel manufacturing and to improve light output.