Abstract: The invention provides methods of making arrays of thin sheet microdischarge devices. In a preferred method of fabricating an array of microdischarge devices, a multi-layer dielectric layer thin sheet is position with respect to a first thin electrode. A second electrode thin sheet is joined on the dielectric layer sheet. An array of microcavities is provided through at least a portion of the dielectric layer sheet. The method can produce thin large arrays inexpensively. In preferred embodiments, each of the multi-layer dielectric layer thin sheet, the first thin electrode and the second electrode thin sheet have a thickness of less than less than 100 ?m. In preferred embodiments, the multi-layer dielectric is formed of polymer, and in other embodiments from oxides and/or nitrides. In a particular preferred embodiment, the multilayer dielectric is formed from oxide and nitride films.

Abstract: A discharge device is described that contains an anode, a cathode, and an insulating layer disposed between the anode and the cathode. A cavity is extends entirely through at least one of the anode or cathode and penetrates the dielectric layer. At least one of the anode or cathode may include a screen or the dielectric layer may have a plurality of films with at least two different dielectric constants. The voltage differences between the anode and cathode in each of multiple devices electrically connected together may be limited.

Abstract: A discharge device has a diode with a depletion region, a channel extending through a surface of the diode, and a gas within the channel. The gas is excited and a discharge formed by reverse biasing the diode and establishing an electric field in the depletion region of the diode.

Abstract: A discharge device is described that contains an anode, a cathode, and an insulating layer disposed between the anode and the cathode. A cavity is extends entirely through at least one of the anode or cathode and penetrates the dielectric layer. At least one of the anode or cathode may include a screen or the dielectric layer may have a plurality of films with at least two different dielectric constants. The voltage differences between the anode and cathode in each of multiple devices electrically connected together may be limited.

Abstract: A discharge device is described that contains an anode, a cathode, and an insulating layer disposed between the anode and the cathode. A cavity is extends entirely through at least one of the anode or cathode and penetrates the dielectric layer. At least one of the anode or cathode may include a screen or the dielectric layer may have a plurality of films with at least two different dielectric constants. The voltage differences between the anode and cathode in each of multiple devices electrically connected together may be limited.

Abstract: A discharge device has a diode with a depletion region, a channel extending through a surface of the diode, and a gas within the channel. The gas is excited and a discharge formed by reverse biasing the diode and establishing an electric field in the depletion region of the diode.

Abstract: A discharge device is described that contains an anode, a cathode, and an insulating layer disposed between the anode and the cathode. A cavity is extends entirely through at least one of the anode or cathode and penetrates the dielectric layer. At least one of the anode or cathode may include a screen or the dielectric layer may have a plurality of films with at least two different dielectric constants. The voltage differences between the anode and cathode in each of multiple devices electrically connected together may be limited.

Abstract: Start-up and re-ignition of a high pressure arc lamp are aided by injection of electrons toward a high pressure arc lamp electrode. A microdischarge device directs electrons toward an electrode of the arc lamp and is preferably turned off during normal operation of the arc lamp. The harsh environment of an arc lamp requires the microdischarge to be made from robust materials, such as ceramics, semiconductors or tungsten, for example. In the present invention, the discharge design must allow, preferably through a screen anode, for the escape of electrons from the microdischarge. This invention results in a decrease in the voltage required to start-up or re-ignite a lamp.