We propose a lighting mechanism for generating uniform planar light. The device integrates electron beams induced by gas discharge with cathodoluminescence at the anode, where the spectra of the emitted light depend entirely on the phosphor materials coated on the anode. Consequently, ultraviolet is not required and the usage of mercury can be avoided. In addition, the features of double-side lighting, transparency, and gray-scale images indicate that the flat electron emission lamp might become potential candidate for the next generation green lighting source.
The gas discharge and photo-luminance properties of a planar lighting source featuring highly uniform light emission and mercury-free design were studied. The current density-voltage characteristics and the associated gas discharge of the devices operating with the values of the ratio of electric field to gas pressure (E/p) between 4.3 kV/Torr-cm and 35.7 kV/Torr-cm indicate that the width of the cathode fall extends over the entire gap between the two electrodes and the device is mostly in the obstructed discharge regime. The optical emission analysis confirmed the electron collision-induced gas emissions and strong effect of gas pressure on the phosphor emission when operated at constant current density, both are indicative of the primary roles played by the electron energy.
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