A macro-cell was used to study the phenomenon of anode striation on a 34 VGA Shadow Mask Plasma Display Panel （SMPDP）. The breakdown process in the sustaining period of the macro-cell was taken by an Intensified Charge Coupled Device（ICCD） with narrow band filters. The mechanism of formation and evolution of the anode striation on SMPDP were investigated. The influence of the width of the electrode, the sustaining voltage, sustaining frequency and the voltage of the shadow mask on the anode striation was also studied. The results showed that the width of the electrodes, the sustaining voltage and frequency had a strong influence on the anode striation. The voltage of the shadow mask, however, hardly affected the anode striation, the firing voltage or the sustaining voltage.
