Parallel operation of microhollow cathode discharges

Parallel operation of DC microhollow cathode discharges in argon at pressures up to several hundred torr was obtained without individual ballast at low currents, where the slope of the current-voltage characteristic is positive. By using semi-insulating silicon as anode material, we were able to extend the range of stable operation over the entire current range, including that with negative differential resistance. This opens the possibility to utilize microhollow cathode discharge arrays in flat panel lamps.