This first experiment aimed to understand how do an Electroluminescent display works. Electroluminescence is a direct conversion of electric energy to light, and it happens when a solid phosphor is subjected to an strong alternating electric field, typically 90VAC @ 500Hz. 

This is how it works:

– The copper precipitates to form nanocrystals of copper sulfide. These enhance the strength of the electric field in the phosphor.
– The zinc sulfide and silver form a semiconductor matrix.
– When a positive field is applied, holes enter the matrix; when a negative field is applied, electrons enter the matrix.
– Light is produced when electrons and holes recombine on a silver atom in the matrix.

There are four basic components inside an Electroluminescent display:

1. Transparent, conductive electrode
2. Phosphor
3. Dielectric (Insulator)
4. Non-transparent, conductive electrode

Components diagram:

For more information about this process visit:
http://sites.google.com/site/elen4193/

And this is us, making some screens:

Placing the film for the screen

Applying the second dielectric layer

The last layer, silver

Waiting for it to dry

EL screens working

 

Step by step video: