Plasmaekraanid

Plasmaekraanid, also known as plasma displays, are a type of flat panel display technology that was popular for larger televisions before the widespread adoption of LCD and OLED. A plasma screen consists of a grid of tiny cells containing a mixture of noble gases, primarily neon and xenon. When an electrical voltage is applied to these cells, the gases ionize and form a plasma. This plasma then emits ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV light strikes a phosphorescent coating on the inside of each cell, causing it to glow in a specific color. By controlling the voltage applied to individual cells, the brightness and color of each pixel can be adjusted, creating the image displayed on the screen.

Plasma technology offered several advantages, including excellent black levels, wide viewing angles, and fast response times, making them well-suited for displaying fast-moving content like sports and action movies. However, plasma displays were generally more power-hungry than their LCD counterparts and could be susceptible to "burn-in" if static images were displayed for extended periods. Manufacturing costs also tended to be higher, contributing to their eventual decline in market share as LCD technology improved and became more affordable. While largely phased out of consumer markets, the underlying principles of plasma discharge remain relevant in other display and lighting applications.