Sylvania Mercury

What’s New about that it’s only EL?

Recently I posted a blog on the internet about our Light Tape® product and the reaction was amazing, plenty of hits, a healthy mix of comments posted ranging from the extremely excited to the calm knowledge seekers with the obligatory few that are ready to knock anything that even smells of advancement, basically the kind of mix of comments that’s more than acceptable, extremely healthy and lets you know that all in all you’re promoting a pretty dame good product. However, there was one posting in particular that made me stop and really think. The general gist of the comment was that this isn’t new, it’s only EL technology, it’s been around for years; it’s never been bright enough and doesn’t last very long.

After mulling over the comment for a minute or two I found myself wondering where this guy had been for the past few years or what he’d seen. Yes, up until around 5 to 10 years ago without question the quality of EL products left much to be desired. In fact depending on where you get the product to this day it can live up to the negative comments but, lets not tar every EL manufacturer with the same ‘poor quality’ brush. I decided it might be a good idea to update the ‘negative poster’ on the more recent developments of the product that at sometime in his past had interested him briefly only to yield disappointing results and it would seem, had until now led him to totally disregard EL as a viable lighting source. You can only provide the facts and hope they connect with an open mind. The following, here expanded, is basically my answer to any doubting Thomas.

Just over 5 years ago the US company Sylvania developed a new generation phosphor for use in plasma televisions. This high quality, Natural Blue phosphor was brighter and had a hugely extended life span than any produced before and can be seen in application in millions of homes around the world. In 2008 a next ‘new generation’ phosphor was developed, this time using an Extreme Green phosphor. This next generation Extreme phosphor is even brighter and lasts even longer than the Natural Blue. At trade shows we demonstrate the product under standard lighting conditions unlike some of the competitive products that have to be viewed in a ‘blacked out’ booth. After replying to the doubter I sat and thought of all the people I’d met at various trade shows and meetings some of which had never seen the product before and who had been really blown away by the quality, brightness and variety of colours it comes in and even the people who had seen EL before, even on that day and were like our friend disappointed, until that is they saw Light Tape®. They couldn’t believe the advances in the product and it was said time and again that this was one EL product that was now truly viable for a variety of uses. And, just incase you’re wondering what those ‘uses’ could be here’s a short list: Architecture, Bars, Restaurants, Theatres, Hotels, Cinemas, Point of Sale, Animation, Acrylic Etching, Exhibition and Events, Marine Lighting, Sports Halls and Arenas, Brand and Store Promotion, Aircraft Cockpits, Under the eaves of a house, under Kitchen cupboards and plinths, on Patios, Home Cinemas….. the list can go on and on. Where clean, modern lighting enhancement is required Light Tape® can deliver.

In conclusion then I have to say that yes, some EL products currently available for purchase are diabolical, but not all. It is always wise to keep an open mind where technology is concerned. Things rarely stand still, particularly with a product that has many benefits to its credit as does the Electroluminescence product Light Tape®. Both Natural Blue and Extreme Green Light Tape® products are manufactured in the United States by Electro-LuminX to a high specification, using Sylvania premium quality light emitting phosphors and Honeywell Encapsulant Systems and are distributed in UK and Ireland by Light Tape UK Limited. The Light Tape® product is Electroluminescence at its best.

For more application ideas and further details on the Light Tape® product go to: www.lighttape.co.uk

What is Light Tape®? Light Tape® is made up of metal ribbon coated in Sylvania phosphor and encapsulated in a Honeywell laminate. Light Tape® has no glass, no gas, and no mercury/heavy metals and so is user and environment friendly. Light Tape® provides an 85% – 90% energy saving against other commercially available light sources such as Neon and Cold Cathode and due to its thinness (just 0.5mm thick, as thin as a business card) and being lightweight, affords inherent flexibility of use providing a neater, modern, space saving alterative that is easy to install with little to no maintenance and has a long working life. For further information go to: www.lighttape.co.uk

About Light Tape UK Limited: Based in Barnsley South Yorkshire Light Tape UK Limited is the exclusive distributor for Electro-LuminX products in the UK and Ireland.

About the Author:

Entrepreneur and Old School Marketer from the Barnsley, UK currently MD of Light Tape UK Limited.

For further information please contact: Mike Hardcastle, Managing Director,

Light Tape UK Ltd. 7 Meadowfield Drive, Hoyland, Barnsley, South Yorkshire. S74 0QE

Telephone: +44 (0)845 617 0697 Mob: +44 (0) 7899 790 669

email: info@lighttape.co.uk web page: www.lighttape.co.uk

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Electroluminescence – Dispelling The Myth

"Light Tape UK electroluminescence History"

Electroluminescence (EL) or the generation of light by electrical excitation of light-emitting phosphors has been for many years. Electroluminescent was first observed in silicon carbide (SiC) by Captain Henry Joseph Round in 1907. Ronda reported that there was a yellow light when a current is passed through a silicon carbide detector. An employee of the Marconi company and personal assistant to Guglielmo Marconi, inventor of the round was an individual right with 117 patents to his name at the end of his life.

The next recorded observation of electroluminescence from any large importance occurred at the time of World War II, although there have been several reports of work in this area during the 1920's and 1030's. In1936 George Destriau once again noted that Electroluminescence can be produced from this time powder, zinc sulphide (ZnS) after applying an electric current it to produce light. He said it was Destriau, who coined the word "electroluminescence" to describe the phenomenon observed. Destriau, who worked in the laboratories of Madame Marie Curie in Paris (the Curie pioneering the field of luminescence, because of his research on the radio), published a report of their findings.

During the Second World War, a considerable amount of research was conducted in phosphorus in relation to work on screens radar (which was later to benefit the television industry as a better cathode ray tubes). Research in wartime are also included work on the deposition of transparent conducting films for deicing the windshield of the aircraft. That work was later to make possible a generation of new electronic devices. In the 1950s, GTE Sylvania fired several layers, including matches the heavy steel plates to create Lamp pottery. During this period, most research focused phosphorus powder for bright lamps that require minimal power and with a potentially long life. Research funding was reduced when it was determined that the life of the products were too short (approximately 500 hours). The first thin The film structures were built in the 1950s by Vlasenko and Popkov. These two scientists found that the luminance increased markedly in EL devices when using a thin film of zinc sulfide doped with manganese (ZnS: Mn). Luminance was much higher in thin-film EL (TFEL) devices than in those who use of powders. However, these devices are still too unreliable for commercial use.

Several major U.S. companies also the realization elds of research in the 1970s, including IBM, GTE, Westinghouse, Aerojet General, and Rockwell. All these companies have realized that there were advantages elds Potential existing LCD technology in the following areas: Contrast, multiplexing, and viewing angle. The most important problem that had to solved before mass production could begin elds was the increased reliability of the thin film stack. Since the devices operated at field levels very high – about 1.5 mV / cm – was not a high probability that it would break, especially if there was sufficient uniformity in the stack. Sharp, Tektronix, and Lohja Corporation Finland were able to solve this problem, between 1976 and 1983 using slightly different approaches.

The market introduction in 1985 of the data grid and laptops with screens GENERAL of Sharp and flat, respectively, helped build the foundations for the nascent industry of the laptop at a time LCDs do not have enough brightness or contrast used in commercial products. Both flat and monochrome elds Sharp used a layer of phosphorus from doped zinc sulfide manganese (ZnS: Mn). These screens off an amber (orange-yellow) color that was bright, but also pleasing to the eye.

One of the main disadvantages of the elds in connection with liquid crystal displays (LCDs) is that until 1981 elds were unable to show more than one color. Even after 1981, color elds are restricted to a limited range of colors (red, green and yellow) until 1993, when they discovered a blue phosphor.

A SRS: phosphorus Blue blue Cu shows the improvement and efficiency was reported by Sey-Shing Sun of Planar in 1997. Planar prototype proved true white color sample using the blue phosphor an SRS: Cu / ZnS: Mn multilayer structure. The SRS: Cu phosphor shows the color that will occur with a wider range of colors.

Due available to plan to work with customers to adapt products for specific applications, is capable of imposing a price increase in products of its main competitor Sharp. In late 1980, Planar controlled over 90 percent global market elds. In the spring of 1995 planned to organize a consortium to develop the next generation of high resolution and color TFEL displays. This consortium was funded by the Department of Defense DARPA achieved Technology Reinvestment Program (TRP). The total funding for the consortium was $ 30 million, half funded by government and half private companies in the consortium. Other consortium members were: Allied Signal Aerospace, computing devices of Canada, Ltd., Advanced Technology Materials, Boeing, CVC Products, Georgia Tech Research Institute, Hewlett Packard, Honeywell, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Oregon State University, Positive Technologies and the University of Florida. In 1989, the Defense Advanced Projects Agency (DARPA) began funding the work on advanced displays as part of their HD systems. DARPA issuing a general announcement of the zone in that year and beyond requesting proposals. Planar won one of the first funds from DARPA in 1990 and used the funds to establish a laboratory to develop elds color.

Electroluminescent Displays (elds) has a venerable history starting with the experiments of Captain Henry J. Round in 1907, OV Lossev in the Soviet Union, and Georges Destriau in France. Electroluminescence was mostly a scientific curiosity until the invention of techniques for thin film deposition and discovery that a sandwich of conductors, insulators and phosphorus can result in a very efficient and long lasting form of screen broadcast. Elds were very important in the first days of the laptop industry and remains important in niche market for military equipment, medical and industrial high gloss, speed, the contrast and resistance are necessary.

Increased color TFT LCD screen ELD forced producers to participate in research on color elds with the result that elds in mid-1990 there were more colors in the color market and complete Amels in the development of microdisplays. In 1999 ELD industry was limited to two major players: Sharp flat. Planar acquired its only European competitor, the Division Finlux Show Lohja Oy (Finland) in 1990. Sharp remains committed to compete in elds but their focus Home is in liquid crystal displays. Most important research elds remains within the laboratories of companies and Sharp flat, but several research laboratories financed by public funds and trusts have also made significant contributions to technology ELD.

The electroluminescence use has been limited until relatively recently. The main obstacles to effective use of IT in the past have been: low light output, the sensitivity to moisture and ultraviolet light, color change, the production cost and short life. Over the past several years have been made in the manufacture of lamps EL it has for most of the product to be recognized as a modern alternative to neon lighting and cold cathode, which requires a clean source light. A light source that is clean one that is not glowing and so does not produce glare or night vision effect. Not only that, but lighting the test to consume less power, produces little or no heat and is considerably less bulky than incandescent lighting systems. We must also say that the improvements in EL lamps have provided a major production, long-life phosphors, microencapsulation to prevent degradation by moisture, UV-absorbers, control changes color – dye conversion and provides an efficient power supply lightweight. EL technology has expanded to other areas of use for ensure further development in key areas, including improved brightness and extended life expectancy of the matches sure to benefit. A Lamp on show a massive improvement and are proving to be a viable alternative forms of incandescent lighting, where the application is appropriate. EL lighting has several advantages on incandescent lighting that makes it an ideal candidate for replacement with dim lighting and time of night applications environment. Providing an better night vision capability because it has no infrastructure emissions red or ultraviolet. This helps eliminate glare, improves contrast and visibility, and product is flexible and durable, more reliable, is low maintenance, offers low power consumption and is cold to the touch when in operation. It is for these reasons that the U.S. Air Force made a recommendation for the use of electroluminescent lighting for use in austere airfields and aircraft cockpit to increase operational availability, system reliability, reduce operational and support costs and eliminate the problems caused by using incandescent lamps: examples of which have already been mentioned above. The same Air Force study concluded that the lighting system "was easily visible from distances up three miles away. In particular, light Tape ® light penetrates fog, smoke, snow, fog and other normally poor visibility conditions in order to open new areas application with the product outdoors.

In more recent years, some EL lighting products have been produced and are available for purchase in the Far East, an extraordinarily low cost. Much of the product sold however, has proven to be of poor quality and ineffective, as the key component used in manufacturing, "Phosphorus" was and still can, of low quality so that the brightness and life expectancy are greatly affected products that demonstrate the purchase of the product may be a false economy. This low-quality version of the EL lighting products led ultimately to become the electroluminescence term synonymous, for many years, with the lower word. How can you take a product seriously when you do not deliver? This is a fair comment when talking about the versions cheaper product, but it should be addressed to EL lighting in general. Currently available in the U.S. is a unique electro-luminescent lighting system that provides the brightest, flat bulb in the world with extended life. The advancement of technology in the early 2000's were launched, while development of a new generation of screen televisions (plasma). Plasma TVs are using phosphorus backlight technology same as that used in the light EL, but obviously applied differently. For this new application of technology to be viable the match had to be of a quality far more high, the result produced brighter light and life of the phosphorus needed to be longer than any previously developed. The new research and experimentation soon provided to technological progress to do exactly that which results in a new generation of high-quality match which is brighter and actually has a theme greatly extended life expectancy. This progress achieved, the resulting technology is used in the production of plasma TV one of the most sought after of reincarnation electrical products for everyday use and has been a dominant product in the last 5 to 7 years. This development benefited greatly EL technology in general and what has become the product known as "Light Tape ®", especially as Light Tape ® is the direct result of this ahead of him.

Light Tape ® is manufactured in the United States to a high specification ElectroluminX with Sylvania light emitting phosphors Premium Laminate Systems and Honeywell. Light Tape ® is the brightest light source in the world electroluminescent. It is indeed an incredibly thin, flat, flexible, moisture resistant light bulb. Can be supplied in a range of colors and widths, in lengths up to 300 feet. Driven by the power supplies specially designed, can be used in intermittent or constant state modes in implementing indoor or outdoor.

Light Tape ® uses less than one tenth of the power and is half the price of neon and cathode cold illumination of the screen is easier to install and maintain, reduce light pollution, produces no waste heat or infrared light is totally recyclable and uses no gas, no glass and mercury. Light Tape ®, with its wealth of performance, versatility, ease of implementation, cost effectiveness and extremely low carbon footprint is becoming the chosen, viable alternative to more traditional forms of display lighting. (1 watt per meter of 25 mm (1 ") wide, a length of 100 meters in 25 mm tape width Light ® only uses the same power as a bulb of 100 watts of light),

Architecture, Automotive, Advertising, Interior Design, exhibitions, events, Marina, Point of Sale, Hotels, Bars, Restaurants, some trial and entertainment areas, departure and Emergency Safety and Health are just some of the sectors benefiting from this source exciting, innovative light. Light Tape ® lamps are changing the way we think a light bulb. Imagine a light bulb as thin as a credit card, available in any color, which can bend around any surface, is available in continuous lengths up to 100 meters, for use indoors or outdoors, it only costs a fraction of the cost of traditional light bulbs to operate. In fact, innovation is more important in lighting since the invention of the bulb. For more information please access the website of Light Tape UK, including photography, animation and video galleries. Go to www.lighttape.co.uk for the latest tape of Light ® applications.

The information used in this piece has taken from the following sources: A History of Electroluminescent Displays – By: Jeffrey A. Hart, Stefanie Ann Lenway & Thomas Murtha – University of Minnesota (1999)

Information on the investigation of the U.S. Air Force taken from a report submitted to the PRAM Program Office, Aeronautical Systems Division Wright-Patterson U.S., a NASA study for the Air

Electro-LuminX U.S.

Additional information: DK Hardcastle 2009

About the Author

Entrepreneur and Old School Marketer from the Barnsley, UK currently MD of Light Tape UK Limited.
For further information please contact: Mike Hardcastle, Managing Director, Light Tape UK Ltd. 7 Meadowfield Drive, Hoyland, Barnsley, South Yorkshire. S74 0QE Telephone: +44 (0)845 617 0697 Mob: +44 (0) 7899 790 669 email: info@lighttape.co.uk web page: www.lighttape.co.uk