Abstract: A planar fluorescent lamp having a first panel, a second panel, a glass rim, a venting tube, and a set of electrodes. Fluorescent layers are formed on both the first panel and the second panel. The glass rim is mounted on edges of the first and second panels. A recess and a gap are formed in the glass rim; the recess is used for placing the electrodes while the gap is reserved for installing the venting tube. The first panel, the second panel, and the glass rim are so arranged so that a cavity is formed thereby. The cavity is vacuumed via the venting tube and mercury vapor and inert gas are then introduced into the cavity.

Abstract: A synchronous switching device. The switching device includes a common electrode, distributed electrodes, voltage converters and a signal generator. The distributed electrodes are aligned in a straight line facing the common electrode. Each distributed electrode has a length smaller than the common electrode. Each voltage converter is electrically coupled to the common electrode as well as one distributed electrode. All voltage converters are electrically coupled to the signal generator. A first panel, a second panel and two side panels together form a planar lamp with a hollow space inside. A layer of fluorescent coating is deposited on the interior surface of the first and the second panel. The distributed electrodes and the common electrodes are mounted on each side of the hollow space. Through high voltage synchronous signals generated by the signal generator and the voltage converters, the planar fluorescent lamp is lit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a flat fluorescent color lamp for liquid crystal display panel illumination which utilizes a lamp body constructed of at least three serpentine-shaped channels wherein each of the at least three channels exhibits a primary color of red, green or blue by filling the channels with a suitable fluorescent powder and energizing the gas contained in the channels by an electrical discharge and thus generating the desirable colored lights. The present invention flat fluorescent color lamp combines the functions of a backlight and color filters into a single device that can be advantageously manufactured.

Abstract: Improved luminous efficiency in plasma displays has been achieved by coating phosphor particles with a dielectric layer having a refractive index, for the ultraviolet light emitted by the plasma, that is intermediate between that of the phosphor and vacuum. When deposited in a thickness range between 0.5 and 5 microns, the layer causes the particle's reflectivity to be reduced because of reduced reflection at the vacuum-coating interface as well as internal reflection at the coating-vacuum interface. For coating thicknesses in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 microns, reflectivity is reduced because of interference between rays reflected at the vacuum-coating interface and the coating-phosphor interface. Several methods for forming these antireflection coatings are described. These include CVD, PVD, and suspension in molten dielectric followed by decanting onto either sticky or non-stick surfaces.

Abstract: A method for permanently sealing an ultra-high vacuum within a glass enclosure. This is accomplished by first forming a hole, either in one of the flat plates that form the enclosure or in one of the standoffs that separate the plates, and then sealing a metal tube to the glass. In one embodiment, the metal tube is positioned so as to be partly inside the hole while in another a flange at the end of the tube is positioned to cover the hole. In both cases, a glass frit paste is then applied all around the glass metal interface. This is followed by heating so that the frit softens and becomes a glass-to-metal seal. Once the structure has cooled down the attached metal tube is used as a pumping port to evacuate it and, while still under vacuum, the metal tube is pinched off to form a permanent seal.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp with multiple fluorescent surfaces including a hollow outer tube of any desirable shape, and at least one transparent inner tube or plate-like structure of any shape disposed inside the outer tube. The filaments are mounted at each end of the outer tube. The outer tube is filled with mercury vapor when it is in a vacuum state (less than 10.sup.-3 torr). The inner and outer wall surfaces of the inner tube or plate-like structure and the inner wall surface of the outer tube are all coated with fluorescent materials. When the filaments are supplied with electric currents to release electrons which collide with the mercury molecules to generate ultra-violet rays, much more fluorescent materials will be reached by the ultra-violet rays to generate visible light, thus increasing the luminosity of the fluorescent lamp. A method of manufacturing the fluorescent lamp is also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved luminous efficiency in plasma displays has been achieved by coating phosphor particles with a dielectric layer having a refractive index, for the ultraviolet light emitted by the plasma, that is intermediate between that of the phosphor and vacuum. When deposited in a thickness range between 0.5 and 5 microns, the layer causes the particle's reflectivity to be reduced because of reduced reflection at the vacuum-coating interface as well as internal reflection at the coating-vacuum interface. For coating thicknesses in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 microns, reflectivity is reduced because of interference between rays reflected at the vacuum-coating interface and the coating-phosphor interface. Several methods for forming these antireflection coatings are described. These include CVD, PVD, and suspension in molten dielectric followed by decanting onto either sticky or non-stick surfaces.