Abstract: A gas discharge device, including an interface and addressing means connected to a pair of opposed electrode arrays to energize a plurality of discharge cells, each cell including proximate electrode portions of at least one electrode in each opposed array, the dielectric charge storage member insulating at least one of the proximate electrode portions from the gas. A sustainer voltage source generates an alternating polarity wave form which maintains a discharge sequence in all cells which are in the "on" state. In accordance with the present invention, an enhancement pulser means generates an enhancement voltage pulse which is cyclically superimposed on the sustainer wave form. The enhancement pulse has the same polarity as the sustainer wave form and is generated to coincide with each discharge of the cells in the "on" state to increase the brightness and performance of the gas discharge device.

Abstract: A gas discharge device having at least one dielectric charge storage member the gaseous medium contacting surface of which consists of a low operating voltage material. The material is used in an amount sufficient to increase the operating life span of the device and/or stabilize the operating voltages of the device. An interface and addressing means is connected to a pair of opposed electrode arrays to energize a plurality of discharge cells, each cell including proximate electrode portions of at least one electrode in each opposed array, said dielectric charge storage member insulating at least one of said proximate electrode portions from said gas. A cell presents a capacitive impedance to a voltage pulse applied by the interface and addressing means to the electrode portions to generate a relatively slow rise time leading edge on the voltage pulse for improved addressing of the cell when the electrode arrays are serially addressed.