Abstract: Method of producing a thin film electroluminescent device by sputtering a first transparent electrode of indium tin oxide or tin oxide onto a glass substrate, sputtering a layer of insulating material, for example barium tantalate, over the transparent electrode, and then forming a phosphor layer of zinc sulfide with manganese as an activator on the layer of insulating material. To form the phosphor layer electrical energy is applied to a target containing elemental zinc in an atmosphere containing hydrogen sulfide and argon to cause sputtering therefrom. Elemental zinc reacts with the hydrogen sulfide to deposit a layer of zinc sulfide over the layer of insulating material. The manganese is cosputtered either from a separate target or from a single target incorporating both zinc and manganese.

Abstract: Apparatus for repeatedly generating a staircase ramp voltage pulse on a bus connected to a capacitive load employing a set of DC voltage sources, each producing a voltage of a step in the staircase ramp voltage. A storage capacitor is connected between the output terminal of each voltage source and ground. An FET switch is connected between each of the output terminals and the bus and between ground and the bus. A timing circuit closes each of the FET switches in order to produce a staircase ramp voltage on the bus charging the capacitive load. When it is desired to discharge the capacitive load, the timing circuit then closes the switches in reverse order. Each storage capacitor is charged by the discharging capacitive load to a voltage above the voltage of its associated voltage source. The energy thus stored is used during the next cycle to contribute to the energy required to charge the capacitive load on the bus.

Abstract: A laser device with a discharge tube forming a closed envelope with cylindrical end portions connected by an elongated constricted center portion and having external electrodes at the end portions, fed from a source of short pulses with a width measured in nanoseconds, capacity coupled to the discharge plasma. The discharge plasma may include metal vapor, a metal halide, including mercury halide, and internal electrodes may be included in the closed envelope but coupled to the external electrodes by capacity coupling so as to avoid any connections from electrodes passing through the glass or fused silica envelope.

Abstract: A method of coactivating a rare earth activated, electroluminescent zinc sulfide film with activator gas is described. The phosphor film is deposited upon a substrate by co-sputtering from a zinc sulfide target and a rare earth target in an atmosphere such as hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine or bromine, and an inert gas.

Abstract: A process for making electroluminescent films and devices by sputtering. Zinc sulfide, manganese, and copper sputtering targets are arranged in a circular configuration. RF voltages, applied to the targets, cause sputtering of the target materials. A transparent substrate with a transparent electrode formed thereon is rotated beneath the sputtering targets. An electroluminescent film including the target materials is formed on the upper surface of the transparent electrode. Concentration of the target materials in the electroluminescent film can be controlled by controlling the rf voltages applied to the sputtering targets. An electroluminescent device is completed by depositing a second electrode on the upper surface of the electroluminescent film and applying a forming voltage between the electrodes.

Abstract: Method an apparatus for general illumination wherein high frequency power is capacitively coupled to a low pressure discharge. A discharge lamp includes an envelope which is typically pear-shaped with a re-entrant cavity. The lamp envelope encloses a fill material which forms during discharge a plasma which emits ultraviolet radiation and has an effective electrical impedance. The lamp envelope typically includes on its inner surface a phosphor coating. An outer conductor, typically a conductive mesh, is disposed around the outer surface of the lamp envelope. A solid or hollow inner conductor is disposed in the re-entrant cavity. The apparatus is configured so that the capacitive impedance associated with coupling of high frequency power from the conductors to the discharge is much less than the plasma impedance. Low capacitive impedance is achieved by utilizing high frequencies and conductors with large surface areas and by maintaining the conductors in close contact with the lamp envelope.

Abstract: Radioactive materials are used to assist in starting a discharge in an electrodeless light source. The radioactive emissions predispose on the inner surface of the lamp envelope loosely bound charges which thereafter assist in initiating discharge. The radioactive material can be enclosed within the lamp envelope in gaseous or non-gaseous form. Preferred materials are krypton 85 and americium 241. In addition, the radioactive material can be dispersed in the lamp envelope material or can be a pellet imbedded in the envelope material. Finally, the radioactive material can be located in the termination fixture. Sources of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays are suitable. Because charges accumulate with time on the inner surface of the lamp envelope, activity levels as low as 10.sup.-8 curie are effective as starting aids.