Light-emitting element based on laser carbonized polymer substrate
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
InventorsJohn M. Ingram, Augustus W. Fountain, III, Thomas M. Spudich
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Abstract
An infrared radiation emitting element is provided. A carbonized conducting filament is formed from an insulating substrate material. Passing current through the filament produces radiation in the infrared band. The radiation emitted is tuned by altering the physical or chemical characteristics of the filament. A substrate is optionally doped prior to filament formation. Alternatively, or in addition, a post-filament formation doping process is used. The light-emitting element is a durable, low power IR emitter that is operable as a marker.
Claims17
A light-emitting element, comprising:
- a substrate formed of a polymer;
- and
- at least one carbonized conductive filament formed from said substrate and emitting infrared light upon being biased.
The light-emitting element of claim wherein the infrared light has at least one wavelength between 0.5 and 50 micrometers.
A light-emitting element, comprising:
- a substrate formed of a polymer;
- and
- at least one unbranched polymer carbonized conductive filament formed from said substrate and emitting a wavelength of light upon being biased.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.