Abstract: An electrostatic write head for writing pixels on a print cylinder is disclosed in which a continuous wave radio-frequency source is applied to a radio-frequency electrode disposed on a first side of a dielectric body. A control electrode is disposed on the second side of the dielectric body. When the voltage at the radio-frequency electrode is sufficiently high, a plasma containing electrons, negatively charged ions and positively charged ions ignites near the second side of the dielectric body. While these conditions are maintained, a varying control signal is applied to the control electrode. When a print cylinder having a conducting reference electrode is brought near the plasma, the plasma contacts the surface of the print cylinder and causes it to become charged to a voltage which directly relates to the control signal, thus writing a charged pixel on the surface of the print cylinder.