Methods and apparatus for improving the efficiency of fluorescent lamps

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided for increasing the efficiency of a fluorescent lamp suitable for use as a backlight in a liquid crystal display (LCD). The apparatus includes a light producing cavity/channel that encloses a vaporous material that produces an ultraviolet light when electrically excited. A layer of light-emitting material within the channel produces the visible light emitted from the lamp in response to the ultraviolet light, and a faceplate made up of a substantially transparent material is affixed to the cavity to confine the vaporous material. To increase the efficiency of the lamp, a coating is provided on the faceplate that reflects ultraviolet light and transmits visible light. The coating may be applied on either the internal or external surface of the faceplate.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.