Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel AC thin film electroluminescent display devices employing a protective dielectric stripe along the edges of the transparent electrode (or conductor). In particular, the present invention is directed to an AC thin film electroluminescent display device comprising:a multilayer stack including a first dielectric layer; a phosphor layer; and a second dielectric layer; situated on a glass substrate which includes parallel stripes of etched transparent conductors;said multilayer stack further including a protective stripe of dielectric material placed at least along the edges of the transparent conductors.The present invention is also directed to a method for protecting an AC thin film electroluminescent display device against premature breakdown at the edges of the transparent conductors. This protection is achieved by depositing a stripe of dielectric material along the edges of the transparent conductors.

Abstract: An optically transparent and electrically conductive film is patterned on a ubstrate, for instance in an electro-optical display device such as an electroluminescent device having a patterned transparent electrode layer, by a process utilizing a double masking structure that provides for more positive delineation of thin film device patterns. In this process, an indium tin oxide layer is formed between a metallic pattern on a glass substrate and a photoresist mask. The indium tin oxide layer has a metal lift-off mask under those areas that are to be removed and a photoresist protective mask over those areas that are to remain. The double masking will also provide greater protection to the electrode areas during the critical etching steps in developing an electroluminescent display.

Abstract: An electroluminescent display is constructed as a laminate with a transparent front electrode and a metallic rear electrode sandwiching a layer of electroluminescent phosphor. A layer of light absorbing semiconducting material is interposed between the phosphor layer and the rear electrode. The semiconducting layer functions as a dark field increasing the contrast of the display. Furthermore, the semiconducting layer may be used in the fabrication of driver circuits integral to the display.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing thin film electroluminescent devices composed of a compound of zinc and sulphur, activated by a first metal activator consisting of copper and activated by a second metal consisting of copper manganese, excitable by direct and pulsed voltage.