Ion-induced electron emission from different crystalline phases of ZrO2

A detailed study of ZrO2 as a candidate material for a protective layer of plasma display panels has been performed. The ion-induced electron emission coefficient γ and the firing voltage were measured for cubic, tetragonal, and monoclinic ZrO2 films. Different crystalline phases of ZrO2 showed a very small difference in the coefficient γ and the firing voltage. Compared to MgO, the coefficient γ was smaller and, as a result, the firing voltage was higher for ZrO2.