Abstract: A cathodoluminescent gas discharge device having improved modulation characteristics whereby an electron beam generated by the device is more easily modulated by a small control voltage. The improved gas discharge device includes a cathode for generating a gas discharge to be used as a source of electrons. An electron-transmissive extraction grid is spaced from the cathode and receives an electrical potential for extracting electrons from the gas discharge. An electron-transmissive modulation grid is spaced from the extraction grid and receives a control voltage for modulating the flow of electrons through itself.

Abstract: A highly efficient, high current density gas discharge display panel having rows of columns of gas discharge cells. Each row and discharge cells communicates with a row of hollow cathodes formed of row-wise extending front and rear cathode means positioned adjacent and essentially parallel to each other. When a forward and rear cathode means are both energized, they operate together to form a row of hollow cathodes. With only the forward cathode means energized, a low current gas discharge exists in a row of cells, which discharge is transferred to the next adjacent row of cells by the application of scanning signals to the forward cathode means. A simplified unitary center sheet houses the cell enclosures and grooves for anode and cathode conductors to eliminate the need for multiple layers which require registration with one another. The novel structure permits a fast scan rate and efficient priming of the cells to avoid the necessity for high voltage video drivers.