Abstract: A color sequential illumination system, such as, for example, a backlighting system for a liquid crystal display (LCD), comprises lamps for emitting blue, red and green light. The red and green light is provided by lamps including fluorescent dyes having optical decay times similar to a phosphor material used to provide the blue light. In this manner, the blue, red and green emissions can be fully synchronized with electrical signals used to energise the lamps, enhancing color range and color quality. Furthermore, if the fluorescent dyes are carried in plastics materials, then trapping and concentration of the light generated may also be achieved, providing enhanced brightness for the LCD for a given power input.

Abstract: A fluorescent tube (2) is made of a plastics material containing at least one organic fluorescent dye and attached to the inner surface of this tube is a barrier layer (3) for absorbing ultraviolet radiation, and attached to the inner surface of the layer (3) there is a phosphor layer (3a).

Abstract: A luminaire is disclosed comprising a fluorescent plastics outer sleeve having a configuration such that a high proportion of the fluorescent light generated within the sleeve is emitted as visible light. The sleeve includes a fluorescent dye, which dye is excited by a blue phosphor discharge.

Abstract: An electroluminescent device comprises a film containing a phosphor. Means for causing movement of electrons in the film comprising a first layer on one side of the film and a second layer on the other side of the film are provided. The film includes a first material which is also present in the first layer. It has been noted that such a device has enhanced luminescence as compared to a conventional electroluminescent device.