A model for striation formation in ac PDP discharges

A model is presented to explain the mechanism of striation formation in ac plasma display panel discharges. A simple Monte-Carlo simulation code was used to follow electron motion in such discharges. The obtained features of striations, such as a striation pitch, striated accumulation of charged particles on a dielectric surface above an anode and phase oppositions of electron density and average energy are consistent with previous experiments and numerical simulations. Comparison of the experimental and theoretical space pitch of the striations allows an indirect determination of the electric field.