Method of forming an external electrode fluorescent lamp, thick film electrode compositions used therein, and lamps and LCD devices formed thereof

A method of forming an external electrode fluorescent lamp comprising the steps of:

• providing a conductive layer thick film composition comprising electrically functional particles and organic medium;
• providing a cylindrical glass tube having a first end, a second end, and an inner peripheral wall wherein a fluorescent substance is provided along said inner peripheral wall and wherein a discharge gas is injected into said glass tube and wherein said glass tube is sealed on both said first end and said second end;
• applying the conductive layer thick film composition onto said first end and said second end of said glass tube;
• and
• firing said glass tube and conductive layer thick film composition to form an external electrode fluorescent lamp comprising an electrode on said first end and an electrode on said second end and wherein said conductive layer thick film composition further comprises a glass frit wherein said glass frit composition comprises:
• SiO2 4-8, Al2O3 2-3, B2O3 8-25, CaO 0-1, ZnO 10-40, Bi2O3 30-70, SnO2 0-3, in weight percent total glass frit composition.