Abstract: An embodiment of a photovoltaic cell forms a barrier layer over a flexible substrate and forms a plurality of parallel lines of N-type semiconductor material directly on the barrier layer. A plurality of parallel lines of P-type semiconductor material are formed directly on the barrier layer and positioned with each line of the plurality of parallel lines of P-type semiconductor material having at least one common longitudinal boundary with one line of the plurality of parallel lines of N-type semiconductor material. A plurality of first conductive bus lines are in longitudinal contact with at least a subset of the plurality of parallel lines of N-type semiconductor material, and a plurality of second conductive bus lines are in longitudinal contact with at least a subset of the plurality of parallel lines of P-type semiconductor material.

Abstract: A lamp includes a plurality of channels filled with a gas. Electrodes are disposed adjacent to each of the plurality of channels to create respective paths for electrical discharge within the gas of each channel. A gas permeable passage is positioned between adjacent channels and permits a passage of gas molecules between adjacent channels while the electrical discharge is blocked between the plurality of channels.

Abstract: A flat photoluminescent lamp has external walls and a plurality of internal walls designed to form a serpentine channel having first and second ends. First and second electrodes, positioned in proximity with the first and second ends of the serpentine channel generate a plasma discharge therebetween in response to the application of power to the electrodes. A heater element, comprising a thick film cermet material is disposed on the bottom external surface of the lamp. The heater element is serpentine in shape and substantially follows the path of the serpentine channel. Disposed on opposite sides of the heater element are serpentine conductors, also comprising a thick film cermet material. A DC voltage is applied to the heater element to maintain the internal temperature of the lamp at a desired temperature value. A temperature sensing element may also be used to control the power applied to the heater element.

Abstract: A planar fluorescent lamp having a resistive trace and optically transmissive cover electrodes is described. In one embodiment, the lamp includes an insulative lamp body with the transparent cover electrodes supported by the lamp cover. The resistive trace is supported by the base, either as an exterior resistive trace or within the lamp. The resistive trace acts as a heating element by producing heat in response to an electric current passed through the resistive trace. Because the resistive trace is in thermal contact with the lamp body, heat produced by the resistive trace heats the lamp, improving cold starting. The cover electrodes and, in some embodiments, the resistive trace, are used to control electric fields within the lamp body by applying voltage potentials between discrete cover electrodes or between the cover electrodes and the resistive trace. The controllable electric fields improve cold starting and uniformity of light during low light operation.

Abstract: A small fluorescent lamp having improved efficiency is described. The lamp includes a lamp body having a serpentine channel therein. The serpentine channel is arcuate in cross section with a fluorescent coating covering the serpentine channel but not the lamp cover to produce an aperture effect. The serpentine channel is reflective such that the cross section forms an aperture effect lamp to improve efficiency. Efficiency is further improved by raising the pressure within the lamp to 70-120 torr. Further efficiency is obtained by limiting the depth of the serpentine channel relative to the width of the serpentine channel such that the electrical discharge is confined within a small cross sectional area. In one embodiment, secondary housings are attached to the lower surface of the lamp to conceal the electrodes beneath the lamp, thereby improving the uniformity of the lamp.

Abstract: An electroluminescent panel is formed on a conductive baseplate by a pair of electrodes that are electrically insulated from the baseplate. The first electrode is a base electrode that acts as the hot electrode. The second electrode is a transparent conductive cover electrode. The cover electrode is grounded to act as a reference electrode. An electroluminescent layer formed from a phosphor-impregnated glass separates the base electrode and cover electrode. Upon application of a voltage between the base electrode and cover electrode, the electroluminescent material emits light that is transmitted through the cover electrode toward a viewer. A passivation layer covers the cover electrode to protect and insulate the cover electrode. In one embodiment, the baseplate is grounded and the cover electrode is referenced to ground through a ground fault interrupt sensor. In another embodiment, a graphical layer overlays the cover electrode, beneath the passivation layer, to present a decorative or informative image.

Abstract: A wide illumination range fluorescent lamp is described. The lamp utilizes three discrete sets of electrodes positioned to generate electric field to produce light energy within three distinct ranges of light intensity. The electrodes include primary electrodes for creating a plasma arc discharge through the lamp, a secondary electrode along the interior walls of the lamp to produce electric fields along the discharge channel and a transparent cover electrode coupled with a base electrode to produce an electric field between the cover and the base of the lamp. Each of the three sets of electrodes operates within a different brightness range such that together the three electrodes provide illumination across a range from 0.1 foot-lamberts to 20,000 foot-lamberts. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the primary electrodes are housed within secondary housings bonded to the base of the lamps such that the electrodes are concealed beneath the base of the lamp.

Abstract: A wide illumination range photoluminescent lamp utilizes a primary set of electrodes positioned to generate an plasma discharge along a serpentine channel to produce a high level of visible light. A pair of secondary electrodes may be activated to alter the discharge path for the plasma discharge such that a low level of visible output light is produced. The lamp includes a light guide diffuser over a transparent cover to diffuse the light in the low operational mode and generate uniform light over a wide range of illumination levels. The secondary electrodes may be mechanically activated or automatically activated based on the amount of ambient light.

Abstract: A planar photoluminescent lamp having a plurality of internal walls to form a serpentine channel includes a deflection member at a distal end at least portion of the internal walls to force a plasma discharge into a central portion of the channel to thereby provide more uniform lighting at junctions between the turns in the serpentine channel. As a result, the photoluminescent lamp has more uniform brightness. The principles of the present invention may be extend to any photoluminescent lamp having a junction between two channels wherein a guide member serves to guide the plasma discharge toward the center of the channel at the junction.

Abstract: A planar fluorescent lamp employing both hot cathode and cold cathode operation is described. The lamp includes a first transparent cover bonded atop a metal body with a serpentine channel therein. The lamp body is coated with an insulative coating and the glass solder bead bonds the cover to the lamp at its perimeter and along the ridges defining the serpentine channel. An alternative embodiment of the lamp includes a second transparent cover bonded above the first transparent cover enabling the fluorescent material to be contained in a second enclosure, isolated from the source of light energy. A second alternative embodiment conceals the electrodes of the lamp beneath the lamp body and provides plasma slots to allow the concealed electrodes to energize the lamp. Another alternative embodiment utilizes a conductive transparent coating on the lamp cover to allow the lamp cover to supplement the lamp body as a cold cathode.

Abstract: A flat planar fluorescent lamp having barrier structures overlaying the electrodes is described. The barrier structures include barrier walls and platforms between the electrodes and the lamp cover with passageways between the platforms and the lamp cover. The barrier structures cause the electric discharge between the lamp electrodes to pass between the platforms and the lamp cover. The interior of the lamp and the top of the platform are coated with a fluorescent material such that the lamp produces light throughout its interior, including the region directly above the electrode, thereby providing a source of light in an area which would otherwise be a dark region surrounding the electrode. In one embodiment, a cold electrode, a hot electrode, an ion barrier, and a tubulation are formed in a glass seal as a single unit, placing the terminals of the electrodes and the tipped-off tubulation in a small region of the lamp to permit easier access and alignment.

Abstract: A flat planar fluorescent lamp having barrier structures overlaying the electrodes is described. The barrier structures include barrier walls and platforms between the electrodes and the lamp cover with passageways between the platforms and the lamp cover. The barrier structures cause the electric discharge between the lamp electrodes to pass between the platforms and the lamp cover. The interior of the lamp and the top of the platform are coated with a fluorescent material such that the lamp produces light throughout its interior, including the region directly above the electrode, thereby providing a source of light in an area which would otherwise be a dark region surrounding the electrode. In one embodiment, a cold electrode, a hot electrode, an ion barrier, and a tubulation are formed in a glass seal as a single unit, placing the terminals of the electrodes and the tipped-off tubulation in a small region of the lamp to permit easier access and alignment.

Abstract: A planar fluorescent lamp lamp includes a first transparent cover bonded atop a metal body with a serpentine channel therein. The lamp body is coated with an insulative coating and the glass solder bead bonds the cover to the lamp at its perimeter and along the ridges defining the serpentine channel. An alternative embodiment of the lamp includes a second transparent cover bonded above the first transparent cover enabling the fluorescent material to be contained in a second enclosure, isolated from the source of light energy. A second alternative embodiment conceals the electrodes of the lamp beneath the lamp body and provides plasma slots to allow the concealed electrodes to energize the lamp. Another alternative embodiment utilizes a conductive transparent coating on the lamp cover to allow the lamp cover to supplement the lamp body as a cold cathode.

Abstract: A planar fluorescent lamp employing both hot cathode and cold cathode operation is described. The lamp includes a first transparent cover bonded atop a metal body with a serpentine channel therein. The lamp body is coated with an insulative coating and the glass solder bead bonds the cover to the lamp at its perimeter and along the ridges defining the serpentine channel. An alternative embodiment of the lamp includes a second transparent cover bonded above the first transparent cover enabling the fluorescent material to be contained in a second enclosure, isolated from the source of light energy. A second alterative embodiment conceals the electrodes of the lamp beneath the lamp body and provides plasma slots to allow the concealed electrodes to energize the lamp. Another alternative embodiment utilizes a conductive transparent coating on the lamp cover to allow the lamp cover to supplement the lamp body as a cold cathode.

Abstract: A planar fluorescent and electroluminescent lamp having two pairs of electrodes. Planar electrodes on an outer surface of the lamp create a plasma arc by capacitive coupling. The planar electrodes also cause embedded phosphor to emit light on the electroluminescent phenomena. In one embodiment, a second chamber is on top of the first chamber and light passes from a primary chamber through the second chamber, and is emitted by the lamp.

Abstract: A planar fluorescent lamp having a sealed chamber and divider walls to create a serpentine discharge path is provided with sidewall electrodes. A plurality of sidewall electrodes are spaced from each other and positioned adjacent each sidewall of the sealed chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the sidewall electrodes are planar, cold electrode plates. The electrodes extend generally from one divider wall to the other divider wall along a single sidewall. In alternative embodiments, the sidewall electrodes are positioned within the chamber directly exposed to the mercury vapor, or, alternatively, are separated from the chamber by a dielectric layer. The sidewall electrodes are powered in pairs, each pair being driven at a different frequency than any other pair.

Abstract: A planar fluorescent lamp having a sealed chamber and divider walls to create a serpentine discharge path is provided with sidewall electrodes. A plurality of sidewall electrodes are spaced from each other and positioned adjacent each sidewall of the sealed chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the sidewall electrodes are planar, cold electrode plates. The electrodes extend generally from one divider wall to the other divider wall along a single sidewall. In alternative embodiments, the sidewall electrodes are positioned within the chamber directly exposed to the mercury vapor, or, alternatively, are separated from the chamber by a dielectric layer. The sidewall electrodes are powered in pairs, each pair being driven at a different frequency than any other pair.

Abstract: A planar fluorescent and electroluminescent lamp having two pairs of electrodes. Planar electrodes on an outer surface of the lamp create a plasma arc by capacitive coupling. The planar electrodes also cause embedded phosphor to emit light on the electroluminescent phenomena. In one embodiment, a second chamber is on top of the first chamber and light passes from a primary chamber through the second chamber, and is emitted by the lamp.