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US5742322A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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AC thin film electroluminescent device
Assignee: Ultra Silicon Tech UK Ltd
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Filing: 1994-08-19
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Granted: 1998-04-21
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Expires: 2014-08-19
Abstract
Abstract A thin film electroluminescent device, comprising a first electrode layer, first and second dielectric layers with an active phosphor layer disposed therebetween, and a second electrode layer, wherein there is provided within the phosphor layer at least one barrier layer comprising a thin layer of dielectric material. An array of such devices placed side to side is provided with a print head suitable for A4 electrographic printing.
Inventors
- 👤 Wayne Cranton
- 👤 Robert Stevens
- 👤 Clive Thomas
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 01:13
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J2/00; B41J2/435; B41J2/447; B41J2/45; H; H05; H05B; H05B33/00; H05B33/12; H05B33/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
A thin film electroluminescent device consisting essentially of a first electrode layer, first and second dielectric layers with an active phosphor layer having a dielectric constant associated therewith disposed therebetween, and a second electrode layer, characterized in that there is provided within the phosphor layer at least one barrier layer that does not emit light, said barrier layer comprising a thin layer of insulating material having a dielectric constant greater than that of the phosphor layer, said barrier layer having a thickness of at least one hundred angstroms.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
88 words
A thin film electroluminescent device consisting essentially of a first electrode layer, first and second dielectric layers with an active phosphor layer having a dielectric constant associated therewith disposed therebetween, and a second electrode layer, characterized in that there is provided within the phosphor layer at least one barrier layer that does not emit light, said barrier layer comprising a thin layer of insulating material having a dielectric constant greater than that of the phosphor layer, said barrier layer having a thickness of at least one hundred angstroms.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein there is provided within the phosphor layer a single barrier layer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein at least two barrier layers are provided within the phosphor layer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein the phosphor layer comprises ZnS:Mn.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein the dielectric layers, including at least one barrier layer, are selected from the group consisting of ZnSe, SiN, Al 2 O 3 , Y 2 O 3 and combinations thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according claim 1 wherein the device is disposed on a silicon substrate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
64 words
A thin film electroluminescent device according to claim 1 further comprising a number of said devices placed side by side on a substrate, said substrate having a plane, to form a row for use as a printing array and including a suitable solid low refractive index dielectric between each said device to provide waveguiding in a plane parallel to said plane of said substrate.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
An array according to claim 7 wherein said solid low refractive index dielectric defines sidewalls, said sidewalls having a degree of curvature.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
An array according to claim 7 wherein the solid low refractive index dielectric comprises SiO 2 of SiN.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
A thin film electroluminescent device according to claim 1 further comprising a die said die supporting a group of individual thin film electroluminescent devices, and mounted upon a silicon substrate, said devices arranged end to end.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
An electro-optic head according to claim 10 wherein said die is undercut to provide slanted ends.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
74 words
A thin film illuminescent device according to claim 1, further comprising: a means for applying an ac drive signal to a group of said devices; first and second electrode layers, said first electrode layer conveying said ac drive signal to said group of devices; said second electrode layer conveying an in-phase low voltage signal to said devices; and wherein said ac drive signal and said low voltage signal are sufficient to activate said devices.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US5025321A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-04-20 | 2001-10-20 | 2002-04-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-04-20 | 2005-10-20 | 2006-04-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-04-20 | 2009-10-20 | 2010-04-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |