From what I can gather, the gas is contained in the micro cells. I don't see how they could be recharged if they did leak. The cells are like a honeycomb in an insulated glass window. Each cell represents a different color, red, green and blue. These colors of light make up the entire spectrum of color seen on the screen.
Edit;
Each cell contains a phosphor that changes the
color of the gas when the cell is excited.
I dunno, Tx. You may have to get one recharged once in a while. I don't see how the cells could be connected, ie. gas flowing from cell to cell, without exciting the cells around it. Which would cause poor picture quality and distorted color.
Hey! I ain't no scientist!
This illustration shows the cells being open to each other and the gas must be free inside;
The light generated must be in close proximity to the phosphors and the gas must just be reacting to the immediate area's current discharge.
I wish we had a TV repairman to guide us through this one!!