Abstract:
A display device consists of a D.C.-electroluminescent layer 48 upon which are mounted in series-connection a series of PNPN switches 52 which can be individually switched from a dark high-impedance state to a low impedance state in which light is emitted by the associated part of layer 48. As shown, the switches comprise a top electrode 54, an N-layer 68 common to a row of switches, separated P, N and P layers 70, 72, 74 with a separate switching electrode 50 for each layer 70, and aluminium bottom electrodes (which may be omitted). Layer 48 has a tin-oxide base electrode 46 on the glass substrate 44. There are a number of rows of switches, the leads 62 to the electrodes 50 passing up between them and the empty spaces being filled with epoxy resin. Electrical actuation by electrodes 50 may be replaced by actuation by radiation or by cathode rays. The formation of the electroluminescent layer is described in detail. Zinc sulphide is evaporated on to the layer 46. Activators manganese (2%), copper (0.2%) and chlorine (2%) may be evaporated at the same time or incorporated later by firing the layer in argon at 770 DEG C. in contact with a further layer of already activated phosphor. The activated layer is boiled in a solution of sodium hydroxide and sodium cyanide and the aluminium top electrode evaporated thereon. Specifications 829,255 and 858,393 are referred
Abstract:
842,076. Electroluminescent devices. WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORPORATION. Jan. 29, 1959 [Feb. 5, 1958], No. 3156/59. Class 39(1). A display device comprises an electroluminescent layer 14 between a first electrode and a composite electrode 16, the composite electrode being formed of seven members 18-30 arranged as shown in the form of a figure eight, each member being connected to a switch whereby, when potential is applied to various preselected combinations of the members, any digit from 0 to 9 (see Fig. 7), may be displayed. The electroluminescent layer may comprise a thin film phosphor or phosphor material admixed in a dielectric. Several substantially identical devices may be arranged in a composite unit which may have a common first electrode. In a modification, the phosphor layer also is in the figure eight configuration and the composite electrode members are transparent.