Patent Publication Number: US-6982525-B2

Title: Plasma display

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention generally relates to a plasma display, and more particularly to a plasma display that is adaptive for improving brightness as well as discharge efficiency. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Recently, a plasma display feasible to a manufacturing of a large-dimension panel has been highlighted as a flat panel display device. The plasma display usually controls a discharge period of each pixel in accordance with a digital video data to thereby display a picture. The plasma display typically includes a three-electrode, alternating current (AC) type plasma display that has three electrodes and is driven with an AC voltage. 
     FIG. 1  shows the manner in which each discharge cell is arranged in a related-art matrix-type, AC-type plasma display. This discharge cell includes an upper plate provided with a sustain electrode pair  14  and  16 , an upper dielectric layer  18  and a protective film  20  that are sequentially formed on an upper substrate  10 , and a lower plate provided with a data electrode  22 , a lower dielectric layer  24 , barrier ribs  26  and a phosphorous material layer  28  that are sequentially formed on a lower substrate  18 . The upper substrate  10  and the lower substrate  18  are spaced in parallel by the barrier ribs  24 . 
   Each electrode of the sustain electrode pair  14  and  16  is comprised of transparent electrodes  14 A and  16 A having a relatively large width and made from a transparent electrode material (e.g., ITO) to transmit a visible light, and metal electrodes  14 B and  16 B having a relatively small width to compensate for a resistance component of the transparent electrodes  14 A and  16 A. Such a sustain electrode pair  14  and  16  consists of a scan electrode and a sustain electrode. The scan electrode  14  is mainly supplied with a scan signal for panel scanning and a sustain signal for discharge sustaining. The sustain electrode  16  is mainly supplied with a sustain signal. Electric charges are accumulated in the upper and lower dielectric layers  18  and  24 . The protective film  20  prevents a damage of the upper dielectric layer  18  caused by sputtering to thereby prolong the lifetime of the plasma display as well as to improve the emission efficiency of secondary electrons. This protective film  20  is usually made from MgO. 
   The address electrode  22  crosses the sustain electrode pair  14  and  16 . This address electrode is supplied with a data signal for selecting discharge cells to be displayed. The barrier ribs are formed in parallel to the address electrode to thereby prevent an ultraviolet ray generated by the discharge from being leaked into adjacent discharge cells. The phosphorous material layer  28  is coated on the surfaces of the lower dielectric layer  24  and the barrier ribs to generate any one of red, green and blue visible lights. A discharge space is filled with an inactive gas for a gas discharge. 
   The discharge cell of the related-art plasma display having the aforementioned structure selects a discharge cell by an opposite discharge between the address electrode  22  and the scan electrode  14 , and thereafter sustains discharge by a surface discharge between the sustain electrode pair  14  and  16 . In the discharge cell, the phosphorous material layer is radiated by an ultraviolet ray generated upon sustain discharge to thereby emit a visible light from the cell. In this case, the plasma display controls a discharge sustain period, that is, a sustain discharge frequency of the discharge cell, in accordance with video data to thereby implement a gray scale required for an image display. 
   Such an AC surface-discharge plasma display makes a time-divisional driving of one frame, which is divided into a plurality of sub-fields, so as to realize gray levels of a picture. A light-emission having a frequency proportional to a weighting value of video data is made in each sub-field period to thereby express a gray level. For instance, if it is intended to display a picture of 256 gray levels using an 8-bit video data, one frame display interval (i.e., 1/60 second=about 16.7 msec) at each discharge cell  11  is divided into 8 sub-fields SF 1  to SF 8 . Each of the 8 sub-fields SF 1  to SF 8  again is divided into a reset period, an address period and a sustain period, and the sustain period is given by a weighting value at a ratio of 1:2:4:8, . . . ,:128. Herein, the reset period is a period for initializing the discharge cell, the address period is a period for generating a selective address discharge in accordance with a logical value of video data, and the sustain period is a period for sustaining discharge at the discharge cell where the address discharge is generated. The reset period and address period are identically assigned in each sub-field interval. 
   If electrode widths of the scan electrode  14  and the sustain electrode  16  are formed narrowly in order to reduce power consumption of the plasma display, then a discharge path upon discharge is shortened to thereby limit an light-emission area. Thus, the amount of ultraviolet ray emission is reduced and hence brightness is deteriorated. Further, discharge at the discharge cell is generated in a manner diffused into a gap between the respective transparent electrodes  14 A and  16 A of the sustain electrode pair  14  and  16 ; that is, in a manner diffused from the center of the discharge cell into the ends of the transparent electrodes  14 A and  16 A. Accordingly, if it goes far away from the gap between the transparent electrodes  14 A and  16 A, then discharge efficiency is reduced and brightness also is reduced. 
     FIG. 2  shows a plasma display having a different electrode structure that includes projecting electrodes. In this plasma display, a sustain electrode pair  44  and  46  consists of stripe-type metal electrodes  44 A and  46 A formed in a stripe type and projecting electrodes  44 B and  46 B formed within the discharge cell and connected to the respective metal electrodes  44 A and  46 A. 
   The metal electrodes  44 A and  46 A are positioned at each edge of the discharge cell and are made from a metal material having good conductivity such as sliver (Ag) or copper (Cu). The projecting electrodes  44 B and  46 B have a relatively larger width than the metal electrodes  44 A and  46 B and are formed in opposing relation thereto. 
   In order to reduce the amount of current wasted from such a protrusion-type sustain electrode pair  44  and  46 , the projecting electrodes  44 B and  46 B are formed to have a width (W) of about 200 μm to 250 μm and a length (L) of about 400 μm to 1000 μm. However, even though sizes of the projecting electrodes  44 B and  46 B have been set appropriately, an area occupied by the electrodes is reduced and hence a discharge voltage is increased, thereby causing a deterioration of discharge efficiency. 
   In order to overcome problems caused by the protrusion-type projecting electrode, a plasma display including T-type projecting electrodes has been proposed as shown in  FIG. 3 . In this plasma display, a sustain electrode pair  54  and  56  formed on an upper substrate (not shown) are comprised of stripe-type metal electrodes  54 A and  56 A and T-type projecting electrodes  54 B and  56 B which protrude from the metal electrodes  54 A and  56 A, respectively. 
   The T-type projecting electrodes  54 B and  56 B extend from the metal electrodes  54 A and  56 A and are opposed to each other in a T shape. The first electrode width W 1  of the T-type projecting electrodes  54 B and  56 B is formed to be smaller than the second electrode width W 2  thereof. Since the electrode width W 2  at an opposite portion of the two T-type projecting electrodes  54 B and  56 B is large, it is not difficult to cause a discharge. Thus, even though the first electrode width W 1  is small, brightness is not reduced largely and an area occupied by the electrodes is reduced to thereby decrease a wasted current amount. 
   However, in the plasma display including T-type projecting electrodes modifying the protrusion type, a distance W 3  between the projecting electrodes  54 B and  56 B at each side and the barrier ribs  58  is not equal when a mis-alignment occurs upon joint of the substrates. An amount of absorbed electric charges is increased more, as it is closer to the barrier ribs  58 . Thus, if a distance W 3  between each side surface of the projecting electrodes  54 B and  56 B becomes different, then an amount of wall charges produced at each side upon discharge is differentiated. 
     FIG. 4  shows a plasma display which includes a transparent blank-type electrode, which is another electrode structure which has been proposed for plasma displays. This plasma display is comprised of transparent electrodes  34 A and  36 A having holes formed on an upper substrate, and metal electrodes  34 B and  36 B for compensating for resistance components of the transparent electrodes  34 A and  36 A. 
   The transparent electrodes  34 A and  36 A have a relatively large width and are made from a transparent electrode material such as ITO for the purpose of transmitting visible light. A hole  35  may be formed in a square shape or various polygonal shapes. Since holes  35  are formed at transparent electrodes  34 A and  36 A, an area of the transparent electrodes  34 A and  36 A are reduced. Accordingly, a capacitance value is reduced and hence power consumption is reduced. Also, an electrode area of the sustain electrode pair  34  and  36  is reduced, thereby increasing an aperture ratio. 
   However, the blank-type plasma display including sustain electrode pair  34  and  36  defines holes  35  at the transparent electrodes  34 A and  36 A to thereby somewhat improve power consumption, but it also raises a discharge-separation phenomenon in which two discharge modes are formed within a driving voltage. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the transparent electrode  36 A of the sustain electrode can be divided into A, B and C areas around the hole  35 . If a discharge voltage is applied to the transparent electrode  36 A, then a discharge is generated at the A area of the transparent electrode  36 A positioned at the closest distance and then is diffused into the B and C areas. At this time, if a voltage is dropped within a sustain voltage margin, then an amount of accumulated wall charges becomes small because the B area has a small discharge area, and electric charges absorbs from the barrier rib  38  to thereby increase an amount of lost electric charge because it is positioned at a close distance from the barrier rib  38 . Accordingly, the B area makes a small contribution to a plasma discharge, and a short pass discharge is limited to the A area to thereby separate the discharge into the A area and the C area and hence largely reduce brightness. 
   In the plasma display discharge cell structures described above, as shown in  FIG. 6 , a strong discharge is generated at the center of the discharge cell while weaker discharge is generated as the distance away from the center increases. Furthermore, a discharge is not generated at the edge area of the discharge cell. Accordingly, the related-art plasma display has problems in that discharge efficiency and brightness are deteriorated. 
   Also, the related-art plasma display discharge cell structures have a problem in that, because a distance between the metal electrodes is far away from the opposite surface of the transparent electrodes, power consumption caused by a resistance is large. The related-art plasma display discharge cell structures have another problem in that, because a distance between the metal electrodes from the opposite surface of the transparent electrodes is constant to thereby cause an initial discharge at all positions of the opposite surface, efficiency of the initial discharge is deteriorated. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An object of the present invention is to overcome one or more of the drawbacks described above and/or to achieve at least one or the advantages noted herein. 
   An object of the present invention to provide a plasma display that is adaptive for improving brightness as well as discharge efficiency. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a plasma display that is adaptive for reducing power consumption. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a plasma display that is adaptive for improving initial discharge efficiency. 
   In order to achieve these and other objects, the present invention provides a plasma display which according to one embodiment includes a transparent electrode pair formed in such a manner to be opposed to each other with having a predetermined distance of a gap within a discharge cell, and a metal electrode connected to each of the transparent electrode pair, wherein the gap is formed in a diagonal direction within the discharge cell. The transparent electrode pair is preferably formed in a triangular shape shape within the discharge cell, and the transparent electrode has an inclined plane in a range of 0° to 90°. The inclined planes are in opposing relation to each other in such a manner to have the gap in a diagonal direction within the discharge cell. The inclined plane is also preferably formed in stepwise or curved shape. The plasma display further includes a plurality of holes formed in the transparent electrode. 
   Alternatively, the transparent electrode pair is spaced at a predetermined distance from the barrier rib and is formed in a triangular shape shape within the discharge cell in such a manner to have said gap. The transparent electrode has an inclined plane in a range of 0° to 90°, and the inclined planes are in opposing relation to each other in such a manner to have the gap in a diagonal direction within the discharge cell. The inclined plane is also preferably formed in a stepwise and a curved shape. The plasma display further includes a plurality of holes formed in the transparent electrode. 
   Alternatively, the transparent electrode includes a neck portion connected to the metal electrode, and a head portion formed in a triangular shape shape from the neck portion. The head portion has an inclined plane in a range of 0° to 90°. One side of head portion preferably connected to the neck portion has a larger width than the neck portion while other side thereof has a decreasing width to have the inclined plane from the one side thereof. The inclined planes are in opposing relation to each other in such a manner to have the gap in a diagonal direction within the discharge cell. 
   The inclined plane is also preferably formed in a stepwise or curved shape. The plasma display further includes a plurality of holes formed in the head portion. 
   Alternatively, the transparent electrode pair includes a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode, and wherein each of the first and the second transparent electrodes has a stripe portion connected in such a manner to cross the metal electrode and a head portion formed in a triangular shape in such a manner to have the gap from the stripe portion. Herein, an apex of the head portion in a triangular shape is formed on the barrier rib for separating the adjacent discharge cells. The gap is preferably formed in a zigzag pattern. The plasma display further includes a plurality of holes formed in the head portion. 
   An apex of the head portion of the first transparent electrode is formed on the barrier rib for separating the adjacent discharge cells, while an apex of the head portion of the second transparent electrode is formed within the discharge cell. The apex of the head portion of the first transparent electrode is formed on the barrier rib in such a manner to have the gap from the stripe portion of second transparent electrode. 
   The apex of the head portion of the second transparent electrode is formed at the center of the discharge cell in such a manner to have the gap from the stripe portion of first transparent electrode. The gap is preferably formed in a zigzag pattern. The plasma display further includes a plurality of holes formed in the head portion. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a discharge cell structure of a related-art three-electrode, AC surface-discharge plasma display; 
       FIG. 2  is a plan view showing another electrode structure of related-art plasma display; 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view showing an electrode structure of another related-art plasma display which improves upon the electrode structure of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a plan view showing another electrode structure of a related-art plasma display; 
       FIG. 5  depicts a discharge phenomenon in the plasma display shown in FIG.  4 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a graph showing a discharge generated at the discharge cell of the related-art plasma display; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing a discharge cell structure of a plasma display according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a plan view showing an electrode structure of the plasma display in  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a plan view showing a discharge generated at the plasma display in  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a plan view showing an electrode structure of a plasma display according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 11  is a plan view showing an electrode structure of a plasma display according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 12  is a plan view showing an electrode structure of a plasma display according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 13  is a plan view showing an electrode structure of a plasma display according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 14  is a plan view showing an electrode structure of a plasma display according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 15  is a plan view showing an electrode structure of a plasma display according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 16  is a plan view showing an electrode structure of a plasma display according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 17  is a plan view showing an electrode structure of a plasma display according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 18  is a plan view showing an electrode structure of a plasma display according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 19  is a plan view showing an electrode structure of a plasma display according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 20  is a plan view showing an electrode structure of a plasma display according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 21  is a plan view showing an electrode structure of a plasma display according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 22  is a plan view showing an electrode structure of a plasma display according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 23  is a plan view showing an electrode structure of a plasma display according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 24  is a plan view showing an electrode structure of a plasma display according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring to  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 , a plasma display according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes an upper plate provided with a sustain electrode pair  114  and  116  having a gap  130  at a predetermined distance W 1  in a diagonal line direction, an upper dielectric layer  118  and a protective film  120  that are sequentially formed on an upper substrate  110 , and a lower plate provided with an address electrode  122 , a lower dielectric layer  124 , barrier ribs  126  and a phosphorous material layer  128  that are sequentially formed on a lower substrate  118 . The upper substrate and the lower substrate are spaced in parallel by the barrier ribs. 
   Each electrode of the sustain electrode pair  114  and  116  is comprised of transparent electrodes  114 A and  116 A formed in a triangular shape having an inclined plane  132  within the discharge cell, and metal electrodes  114 B and  116 B in a stripe shape formed at one edge of the transparent electrodes  114 A and  114 B. 
   Each of the transparent electrodes  114 A and  116 A is made from a transparent electrode material such as ITO and takes a triangular shape having the inclined plane  132  at a predetermined slope θ in such a manner to be opposed to each other with a gap W 1  in a range of 30 μm to 100 μm. In this case, a slope θ of the inclined plane  132  of each of the respective transparent electrodes  114 A and  116 A has a range of 0° to 90°, and an optimum slope thereof has a range of 0° to 45°. Because the inclined plane  132  has triangular-shape transparent electrodes  114 A and  116 A, gap  130  having a predetermined distance W 1  is formed in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell. An electric field concentrates on the corner of each transparent electrode  114 A and  116 A upon discharge to thereby raise a discharge at an edge area of the discharge cell. 
   The metal electrodes  114 B and  116 B have a relatively small width and are formed from sliver (Ag) or copper (Cu) having a good electric conductivity, respectively. This compensates for an electric resistance of the transparent electrodes  114 A and  116 A. 
   Such a sustain electrode pair  114  and  116  consists of a scan electrode and a sustain electrode. The scan electrode  114  is mainly supplied with a scan signal for a panel scanning and a sustain signal for a discharge sustaining. The sustain electrode  116  is mainly supplied with a sustain signal. Electric charges accumulate in the upper and lower dielectric layers  118  and  124 . The protective film  120  prevents damage of the upper dielectric layer  118  caused by sputtering to thereby prolong the life of the plasma display, as well as to improve emission efficiency of secondary electrons. This protective film  120  may be made from MgO. The address electrode  122  crosses the sustain electrode pair  114  and  116 . This address electrode is supplied with a data signal for selecting discharge cells to be displayed. The barrier ribs are formed in parallel to the address electrode  122  to thereby prevent ultraviolet rays generated by the discharge from leaking into adjacent discharge cells. The phosphorous material layer  128  is coated on the surfaces of the lower dielectric layer  124  and the barrier ribs  126  to generate any one of red, green and blue visible lights. A discharge space is filled with an inactive gas for a gas discharge. 
   In the plasma display according to the first embodiment of the present invention, discharge at the conventional non-discharge area A upon discharge is activated as shown in  FIG. 9  with the aid of the gap  130  between the transparent electrodes  114 A and  116 A formed in a diagonal direction within the discharge cell. This enhances discharge efficiency as well as increases a discharge path upon discharge to enlarge a light-emission area. Accordingly, the plasma display according to the first embodiment of the present invention can increase the amount of ultraviolet rays emitted upon discharge to thereby improve brightness. 
   Referring to  FIG. 10 , a plasma display according to a second embodiment of the present invention preferably has the same elements as the plasma display according to the first embodiment except for holes  135  formed at the transparent electrodes  114 A and  116 A of the plasma display. Accordingly, see the foregoing description for an explanation of these same elements, excluding holes  135  formed at the transparent electrodes  114 A and  116 A in the plasma display. 
   Holes  135  are formed in a circular, square, or polygonal shape at the triangular shape transparent electrodes  114 A and  116 A to thereby reduce an area of the transparent electrodes  114 A and  116 A. Thus, in the plasma display according to the second embodiment, capacitance values of the transparent electrodes  114 A and  116 A are reduced and hence power consumption is reduced. Moreover, an electrode area of the sustain electrode pair  114  and  116  can be reduced to thereby increase aperture ratio. 
   Furthermore, discharge at the non-discharge area upon discharge is activated with the aid of the gap  130  between the transparent electrodes  114 A and  116 A formed in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell. This enhances discharge efficiency as well as increasing a discharge path upon discharge to enlarge a light-emission area. Accordingly, the plasma display according to the second embodiment of the present invention can increase the amount of ultraviolet rays emitted upon discharge to thereby improve brightness. 
   Referring to  FIG. 11 , a plasma display according to a third embodiment of the present invention has the same elements as the plasma display of the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  except for the shape of the inclined plane  132  of each transparent electrode  114 A and  116 A opposed to each other in such a manner to have a predetermined gap W 2 . In this embodiment, transparent electrodes  114 A and  116 A are formed in a triangular shape in such a manner to have a predetermined gap W 2  in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell. In this case, the inclined plane  132  of each triangular shape transparent electrode  114 A and  116 A is formed in a stepwise shape. Accordingly, an electric field concentrates on each stepwise corner upon discharge between the transparent electrodes  114 A and  116 A to thereby raise discharge at the edge area of the discharge cell. 
   Furthermore, discharge at the non-discharge area upon discharge is activated with the aid of the gap  130  between the transparent electrodes  114 A and  116 A formed in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell, thereby enhancing discharge efficiency as well as increasing a discharge path upon discharge to enlarge a light-emission area. Accordingly, the plasma display according to the third embodiment of the present invention can increase the amount of ultraviolet rays emitted upon discharge to thereby improve brightness. 
   Referring to  FIG. 12 , a plasma display according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention has the same elements as the plasma display of the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  except for the shape of the inclined plane  132  of each transparent electrode  114 A and  116 A which are opposed to each other in such a manner to have a predetermined gap W 3 . In this embodiment, transparent electrodes  114 A and  116 A are formed in a triangular shape in such a manner to have a predetermined gap W 3  in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell. In this case, the inclined plane  132  of each triangular shape transparent electrode  114 A and  116 A is formed in a curved shape. 
   In the plasma display according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, discharge at the non-discharge area upon discharge is activated with the aid of the gap  130  between the transparent electrodes  114 A and  116 A formed to have a predetermined gap W 3  in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell, thereby enhancing discharge efficiency as well as increasing a discharge path upon discharge to enlarge a light-emission area. Accordingly, the plasma display according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can increase the amount of ultraviolet rays emitted upon discharge to thereby improve brightness. 
   Referring to  FIG. 13 , a plasma display according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention has the same elements as the plasma display according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  except for transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A. In this embodiment, transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A are formed in a right-triangular shape within the discharge cell and are connected to metal electrodes  214 B and  216 B, respectively. 
   More specifically, a width of the first transparent electrode  214 A decreases as it goes toward the second transparent electrode  216 A at one side thereof within the discharge cell, while a width of the second transparent electrode  216 A decreases as it goes toward the first transparent electrode  214 A at other side thereof within the discharge cell. A vertical plane of each transparent electrode  214 A and  216 A is spaced at a predetermined distance from the barrier rib  226  for separating the discharge cell. An inclined plane  232  of each triangular shape transparent electrode  214 A and  216 A is opposed to each other in such a manner to have a predetermined gap W 4  in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell. In this case, a slope θ 2  of the inclined plane  232  of each transparent electrode  214 A and  216 A has a range of 0° to 90°, and an optimum slope θ 2  thereof has a range of 0° to 45°. Because of the inclined planes  232  of the triangular shape transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A, the gap  230  having a predetermined distance W 4  is formed in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell. An electric field concentrates on the corner of each transparent electrode  214 A and  216 A upon discharge to thereby raise a discharge at an edge area of the discharge cell. 
   In the plasma display according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, a discharge at the non-discharge area upon discharge is activated with the aid of the gap  230  between the transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A formed to have a predetermined gap W 4  in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell, thereby enhancing discharge efficiency as well as increasing a discharge path upon discharge to enlarge a light-emission area. Also, the plasma display according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention can reduce an area of the transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A to thereby reduce power consumption because vertical planes of the transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A are formed within the discharge cell in such a manner to be spaced at a predetermined distance from the barrier rib  226 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 14 , a plasma display according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention has the same elements as the plasma display according to the fifth embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , except for holes  235  formed at transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A. Holes  235  are formed in a circular, square or polygonal shape at the triangular shape transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A to thereby reduce an area of the transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A. Thus, capacitance values of the transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A are reduced and hence power consumption is reduced. Moreover, in the plasma display according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, an electrode area of the sustain electrode pair  214  and  216  can be reduced to thereby increase an aperture ratio. 
   Furthermore, a discharge path is increased to thereby enlarge a light-emission area with the aid of the gap  230  between the transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A formed to have a predetermined gap W 4  in a diagonal direction within the discharge cell, thereby enhancing discharge efficiency as well as increasing an emission amount of ultraviolet rays upon discharge to improve brightness. Also, the plasma display according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention can reduce an area of the transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A to thereby reduce power consumption because vertical planes of the transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A are formed within the discharge cell in such a manner to be spaced at a predetermined distance from the barrier rib  226 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 15 , a plasma display according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention has the same elements as the plasma display according to the fifth embodiment shown in  FIG. 13  except for a shape of the inclined plane  232  of each transparent electrode  214 A and  216 A opposed to each other in such a manner to have a predetermined gap W 5 . In this embodiment, transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A are formed in a triangular shape in such a manner to have a predetermined gap W 5  in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell. In this case, the inclined plane  232  of each triangular shape transparent electrode  214 A and  216 A is formed in a stepwise shape. Accordingly, an electric field concentrates on each stepwise corner upon discharge between the transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A to thereby raise a discharge at the edge area of the discharge cell. 
   In the plasma display according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, a discharge path is increased to thereby enlarge a light-emission area with the aid of the gap  230  between the transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A formed to have a predetermined gap W 5  in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell, thereby enhancing discharge efficiency as well as increasing the amount of ultraviolet rays emitted upon discharge to improve brightness. Furthermore, this plasma display can reduce an area of the transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A to thereby reduce power consumption, because vertical planes of the transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A are formed within the discharge cell in such a manner to be spaced at a predetermined distance from the barrier rib  226 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 16 , a plasma display according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention has the same elements as the plasma display according to the fifth embodiment shown in  FIG. 13 , except for a shape of the inclined plane  232  of each transparent electrode  214 A and  216 A opposed to each other in such a manner to have a predetermined gap W 6 . In this embodiment, transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A are formed in a triangular shape in such a manner to have a predetermined gap W 6  in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell. In this case, the inclined plane  232  of each triangular shape transparent electrode  214 A and  216 A is formed in a curved shape. 
   In the plasma display according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, a discharge path is increased to thereby enlarge a light-emission area with the aid of the gap  230  between the transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A formed to have a predetermined gap W 6  in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell, thereby enhancing discharge efficiency as well as increasing the amount of ultraviolet rays emitted upon discharge to improve brightness. Furthermore, this plasma display can reduce an area of the transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A to thereby reduce power consumption because vertical planes of the transparent electrodes  214 A and  216 A are formed within the discharge cell in such a manner to be spaced at a predetermined distance from the barrier rib  226 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 17 , a plasma display according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention has the same elements as the plasma display according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  except for transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A. In this embodiment, transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A are comprised of a neck portion  313  connected to a metal electrode  314 B, and a right-triangular shape head portion  315  connected to the neck portion  313  and having a decreasing width as it goes toward the center of the discharge. 
   More specifically, the neck portion  313  is formed in a rectangular and is connected to each of the metal electrodes  314 B and  316 B. One side of the head portion  315  connected to the neck portion  313  has a larger width than the neck portion, whereas other side of the head portion  315  has a more reduced width as it goes toward other opposed transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A. A vertical plane of each transparent electrode  314 A and  316 A is spaced at a predetermined distance from the barrier rib  326  for separating the discharge cell. The inclined plane  332  of each right-triangular shape head portion  315  is opposed to each other in such a manner to have a predetermined gap W 7  in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell. In this case, a slope θ 3  of the inclined plane  332  of each head portion  315  has a range of 0° to 90°, and an optimum slope θ 2  thereof has a range of 0° to 45°. Because of the inclined plane  332  of the head portion  315 , the gap  330  having a predetermined distance W 4  is formed in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell. An electric field concentrates on the corner of each head portion  315  upon discharge to thereby raise a discharge at an edge area of the discharge cell. 
   In the plasma display according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, a discharge path is increased to thereby enlarge a light-emission area with the aid of the gap  330  between the transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A formed to have a predetermined gap W 7  in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell, thereby enhancing discharge efficiency as well as increasing the amount of ultraviolet rays emitted upon discharge to thereby improve brightness. Also, this plasma display can reduce an area of the transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A to thereby reduce power consumption because vertical planes of the transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A are formed within the discharge cell in such a manner to be spaced at a predetermined distance from the barrier rib  326 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 18 , a plasma display according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention has the same elements as the plasma display according to the ninth embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 , except for a hole  335  formed at each head portion  315  of transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A. In this embodiment, holes  335  are formed in a circular, square or polygonal shape at the right-triangular shape transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A to thereby reduce an area of the head portion  315 . Thus, in the plasma display according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention, capacitance values of the transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A are reduced and hence power consumption is reduced. Moreover, an electrode area of the sustain electrode pair  314  and  316  can be reduced to thereby increase an aperture ratio. 
   Furthermore, a discharge path is increased to thereby enlarge a light-emission area with the aid of the gap  330  between the transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A formed to have a predetermined gap W 7  in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell, thereby enhancing discharge efficiency as well as increasing the amount of ultraviolet rays emitted upon discharge to thereby improve brightness. Also, the plasma display according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention can reduce an area of the transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A to thereby reduce power consumption because vertical planes of the transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A are formed within the discharge cell in such a manner to be spaced at a predetermined distance from the barrier rib  326 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 19 , a plasma display according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention has the same elements as the plasma display according to the ninth embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 , except for a shape of the inclined plane  332  of each transparent electrode  314 A and  316 A opposed to each other in such a manner to have a predetermined gap W 8 . In this embodiment, transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A are formed in a triangular shape in such a manner to have a predetermined gap W 8  in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell. In this case, the inclined plane  332  of each triangular shape transparent electrode  314 A and  316 A is formed in a stepwise shape. Accordingly, an electric field concentrates on each stepwise corner upon discharge between the transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A to thereby raise a discharge at the edge area of the discharge cell. 
   In the plasma display according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, a discharge path is increased to thereby enlarge a light-emission area with the aid of the gap  330  between the transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A formed to have a predetermined gap W 8  in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell, thereby enhancing discharge efficiency as well as increasing the amount of ultraviolet rays emitted upon discharge to thereby improve brightness. Also, the plasma display can reduce an area of the transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A to thereby reduce power consumption, because vertical planes of the transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A are formed within the discharge cell in such a manner to be spaced at a predetermined distance from the barrier rib  326 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 20 , a plasma display according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention has the same elements as the plasma display according to the ninth embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 , except for a shape of the inclined plane  332  of each transparent electrode  314 A and  316 A opposed to each other in such a manner to have a predetermined gap W 9 . In this embodiment, transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A are formed in a triangular shape in such a manner to have a predetermined gap W 9  in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell. In this case, the inclined plane  332  of each triangular shape transparent electrode  314 A and  316 A is formed in a curve shape. 
   In the plasma display according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention, a discharge path is increased to thereby enlarge a light-emission area with the aid of the gap  330  between the transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A formed to have a predetermined gap W 9  in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell, thereby enhancing discharge efficiency as well as increasing an emission amount of ultraviolet rays upon discharge to thereby improve brightness. Also, the plasma display can reduce an area of the transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A to thereby reduce power consumption because vertical planes of the transparent electrodes  314 A and  316 A are formed within the discharge cell in such a manner to be spaced at a predetermined distance from the barrier rib  326 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 21 , a plasma display according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention has the same elements as the plasma display according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  except for a sustain electrode pair  414  and  416 . In this embodiment, the sustain electrode pair  414  and  416  is comprised of a portion  413  formed from a transparent electrode material in a stripe shape, first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A having a head  415  expanded in a triangular shape from the stripe portion  413 , and first and second metal electrodes  414 B and  416 B formed on the stripe portion  413  and having a relatively smaller width than the stripe portion. 
   Such a sustain electrode pair  414  and  416  consists of a scan electrode  414  and a sustain electrode  416 . The scan electrode  414  is mainly supplied with a scan signal for a panel scanning and a sustain signal for a discharge sustaining, whereas the sustain electrode  416  is mainly supplied with a sustain signal. 
   The stripe part  413  of each of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A has a relatively large width and is made from a transparent electrode material such as ITO for the purpose of transmitting a visible light. Further, the stripe portion  413  crosses the barrier ribs  426  for separating adjacent discharge cells. 
   The head portion  415  of the first transparent electrode  414 A is formed in a triangular shape that has a smaller width as it goes closer to the metal electrode  416 B of the sustain electrode  416  and makes a peak on the barrier rib  426 . The head portion  415  of the first transparent electrode  414 A is formed between adjacent discharge cells in a triangular shape whose apex is positioned on the barrier rib  426  separating adjacent discharge cells. 
   The head portion  415  of each of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A is arranged in a zigzag within the discharge cell. Thus, the heads portion  415  of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A are opposed to each other in such a manner to have a predetermined gap in a diagonal line direction. As a result, the predetermined gap within the discharge cell is formed in a zigzag. 
   Accordingly, the head portion  415  of the first transparent electrode  414 A and the head portion  415  of the second transparent electrode  416 A are formed in a triangular shape in such a manner to cross each other, thereby narrowing a distance between the first transparent electrode  414 A and the second metal electrode  416 B and a distance between the second transparent electrode  416 A and the first metal electrode  414 B and enlarging an opposed area of the first transparent electrode  414 A and the second transparent electrode  416 A. 
   In the plasma display according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, if a sustaining voltage is applied to the metal electrode  414 B of the scan electrode  414  and the metal electrode  416 B of the sustain electrode  416 , then an initial discharge is generated at the head portion  415  of the second transparent electrode  416 A corresponding to a portion making the closest apex between the head portion  415  of the first transparent electrode  414 A and the head portion  415  of the second transparent electrode  416 A, i.e., a corner portion making an apex from the head portion  415  of the first transparent electrode  414 A. At the same time, a discharge is generated at the head portion  415  of the first transparent electrode  414 A corresponding to a portion making the closest apex between the head portion  415  of the second transparent electrode  416 A and the head portion  415  of the first transparent electrode  414 A. That is, a corner portion making an apex from the head portion  415  of the second transparent electrode  416 A. 
   Subsequently, as a sustaining voltage is continuously applied to each of the first and second metal electrodes  414 B and  416 B, a discharge is expanded into all opposed portions of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A and thus is diffused into the entire discharge cell. 
   As described above, the plasma display according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention shortly form lengths of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A at one side thereof upon initial discharge, thereby reducing a power loss caused by resistance of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A as much as possible. Furthermore, this plasma display shortly forms lengths of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A at one side thereof upon initial discharge, thereby causing a fast initial discharge and thus improving discharge efficiency. 
   Referring to  FIG. 22 , a plasma display according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention has the same elements as the plasma display according to the thirteenth embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , except for a hole  435  formed at each head portion  415  of transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A. Holes  435  are formed in a circular, square or polygonal shape at the triangular shape head portion  415  to thereby reduce an area of the head portion  415 . Thus, in the plasma display according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, capacitance values of the transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A are reduced and hence power consumption is reduced. Moreover, an electrode area of the sustain electrode pair  414  and  416  can be reduced to thereby increase an aperture ratio. 
   Furthermore, a discharge path is increased to thereby enlarge a light-emission area with the aid of the gap between the transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A formed to have a predetermined gap in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell, thereby enhancing discharge efficiency as well as increasing the amount of ultraviolet rays emitted upon discharge to thereby improve brightness. 
   Meanwhile, the plasma display according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention shortly form lengths of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A at one side thereof upon initial discharge, thereby reduce a power loss caused by resistance of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A as much as possible. Furthermore, shortly form lengths of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A at one side thereof upon initial discharge, thereby causing a fast initial discharge and thus improving discharge efficiency and brightness. 
   Referring to  FIG. 23 , a plasma display according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention has the same elements as the plasma display according to the thirteenth embodiment shown in  FIG. 21  except for a sustain electrode pair  414  and  416 . In this embodiment, the sustain electrode pair  414  and  416  is comprised of a portion  413  formed from a transparent electrode material in a stripe shape, first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A having a head  415  expanded in a triangular shape from the stripe portion  413 , and first and second metal electrodes  414 B and  416 B formed on the stripe portion  413  and having a relatively smaller width than the stripe portion  413 . 
   Such a sustain electrode pair  414  and  416  consists of a scan electrode  414  and a sustain electrode  416 . The scan electrode  414  is mainly supplied with a scan signal for a panel scanning and a sustain signal for a discharge sustaining, whereas the sustain electrode  416  is mainly supplied with a sustain signal. 
   The stripe portion  413  of each of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A has a relatively large width and is made from a transparent electrode material such as ITO for the purpose of transmitting a visible light. Further, the stripe portion  413  crosses the barrier ribs  426  for separating adjacent discharge cells. 
   The head portion  415  of the first transparent electrode  414 A is formed in a triangular shape that has a smaller width as it goes closer to the metal electrode  416 B of the sustain electrode  416  and makes a peak on the barrier rib  426 . The head portion  415  of the first transparent electrode  414 A is formed within the discharge cell in a triangular shape whose apex is positioned at an area adjacent to the stripe portion  413  of the second transparent electrode  416 A. 
   The head portion  415  of the second transparent electrode  416 A crosses the head portion  415  of the first transparent electrode  414 A, and is formed in a triangular shape that has a smaller width as it goes closer to the metal electrode  414 B of the scan electrode  414  and makes an apex on the barrier rib  426 . The head portion  415  of the second transparent electrode  416 A is formed within the discharge cell in a triangular shape whose apex is positioned on the barrier rib  426 . Thus, a portion making an apex between the respective heads portion  415  of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A becomes more than two positions within a single of discharge cell. 
   The head portion  415  of each of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A is arranged in a zigzag within the discharge cell. Thus, the heads portion  415  of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A are opposed to each other in such a manner to have a predetermined gap in a diagonal line direction. As a result, the predetermined gap within the discharge cell is formed in a zigzag. 
   Accordingly, the head portion  415  of the first transparent electrode  414 A and the head portion  415  of the second transparent electrode  416 A are formed in a triangular shape in such a manner to cross each other, thereby narrowing a distance between the first transparent electrode  414 A and the second metal electrode  416 B and a distance between the second transparent electrode  416 A and the first metal electrode  414 B and enlarging an opposed area of the first transparent electrode  414 A and the second transparent electrode  416 A. 
   In the plasma display according to the fifteenth embodiment, if a sustaining voltage is applied to the metal electrode  414 B of the scan electrode  414  and the metal electrode  416 B of the sustain electrode  416 , then an initial discharge is generated at the head portion  415  of the second transparent electrode  416 A corresponding to a portion making the closest apex between the head portion  415  of the first transparent electrode  414 A and the head portion  415  of the second transparent electrode  416 A, i.e., a corner portion making an apex from the head portion  415  of the first transparent electrode  414 A. At the same time, a discharge is generated at the head portion  415  of the first transparent electrode  414 A corresponding to a portion making the closest apex between the head portion  415  of the second transparent electrode  416 A and the head portion  415  of the first transparent electrode  414 A, i.e., a plurality of corner portions making an apex from the head portion  415  of the second transparent electrode  416 A on the barrier rib  426 . 
   Subsequently, as a sustaining voltage is continuously applied to each of the first and second metal electrodes  414 B and  416 B, a plurality of initial discharges are expanded into all opposed portions of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A and thus is diffused into the entire discharge cell. 
   As described above, the plasma display shortly forms lengths of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A at one side thereof upon initial discharge, thereby reduce a power loss caused by resistance of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A as much as possible. Furthermore, the plasma display according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention shortly form lengths of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A at one side thereof upon initial discharge, thereby causing a plurality of fast initial discharges and thus improving discharge efficiency and brightness. 
   Referring to  FIG. 24 , a plasma display according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention has the same elements as the plasma display according to the fifteenth embodiment shown in  FIG. 23  except for a hole  435  formed at each head portion  415  of transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A. Holes  435  are formed in a circular, square or polygonal shape at the triangular shape head portion  415  to thereby reduce an area of the head portion  415 . Thus, in the plasma display according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention, capacitance values of the transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A are reduced and hence power consumption is reduced. Moreover, an electrode area of the sustain electrode pair  414  and  416  can be reduced to thereby increase an aperture ratio. 
   Furthermore, a discharge path is increased to thereby enlarge a light-emission area with the aid of the gap between the transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A formed to have a predetermined gap in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell, thereby enhancing discharge efficiency as well as increasing an emission amount of ultraviolet rays upon discharge to thereby improve brightness. 
   Meanwhile, the plasma display according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention shortly forms lengths of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A at one side thereof upon initial discharge, thereby reduce a power loss caused by resistance of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A as much as possible. Furthermore, the plasma display shortly forms lengths of the first and second transparent electrodes  414 A and  416 A at one side thereof upon initial discharge, thereby causing a plurality of fast initial discharges and thus improving discharge efficiency and brightness. 
   As described above, a plasma display according to the present invention forms the polygonal, stepwise or curved inclined planes of the triangular shape transparent electrodes oppositely in such a manner or to have a predetermined gap in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell. This activates a discharge at the non-discharge area and increases a discharge at the edge area of the discharge cell, so that discharge efficiency can be improved and a discharge path upon discharge is increased to thereby enlarge a light-emission area and thus improve brightness. 
   Furthermore, the plasma display according to the present invention forms the polygonal, stepwise or curve inclined planes of the triangular shape transparent electrodes oppositely in such a manner or to have a predetermined gap in a diagonal line direction within the discharge cell, and at the same time form holes in the transparent electrodes, thereby improving an aperture ratio as well as reducing power consumption. 
   The plasma display according to the present invention also forms the triangular shape transparent electrodes in such a manner or to cross each other within the discharge cell, thereby reducing a power loss caused by a resistance and causing a fast initial discharge to thereby improve initial discharge efficiency. Moreover, the plasma display according to the present invention enlarges an area causing a discharge, thereby improving discharge efficiency and brightness. 
   Although the present invention has been explained by the embodiments shown in the drawings described above, it should be understood to the ordinary skilled person in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments, but rather that various changes or modifications thereof are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention shall be determined only by the appended claims and their equivalents.