Methods and apparatus for increasing the luminescence of fluorescent lamps
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorScot Olson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for increasing the luminous output of a fluorescent lamp suitable for use as a backlight in an avionics or other liquid crystal display (LCD). The apparatus includes a channel configured confine a vaporous material that produces an ultra-violet light when electrically excited. A layer of light-emitting material disposed within at least a portion of the channel is responsive to the ultra-violet light to produce the visible light emitted from the lamp. To increase the luminous output of the lamp, the surface area of the light-emitting material is increased through the presence of one or more grooves. The grooves may be longitudinal or transverse with respect to the channel.
Claims20
A fluorescent light source for providing a visible light, the light source comprising:
- a channel configured to confine a vaporous material that produces an ultra-violet light when electrically excited;
- and
- a layer of light-emitting material disposed within at least a portion of the channel that is responsive to the ultra-violet light to produce the visible light, wherein the layer of light emitting material comprises an upper surface opposite the channel having at least one groove.
The fluorescent light source of claim 9 wherein the protective material comprises fused silica.
A fluorescent light source for providing a visible light, the light source comprising:
- a channel configured confine a vaporous material comprising mercury that produces an ultra-violet light when electrically excited, the channel comprising a grooved surface;
- and
- a layer of light-emitting phosphor material disposed within at least a portion of the channel that is responsive to the ultra-violet light to produce the visible light, wherein the layer of light-emitting phosphor comprises a plurality of grooves corresponding to the grooved surface of the channel.
A method of making a fluorescent light source on a substrate having a channel formed therein, the method comprising the steps of:
- deforming the surface of the channel to thereby increase the surface area of the channel;
- and
- forming a layer of phosphor material within at least a portion of the channel to thereby create a light-emitting layer having a plurality of grooves corresponding to the deformed surface of the channel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.