Objective: To design, build, and print an electroluminescent display.
Electroluminescent (EL) displays (ELD) are a flat-panel-display technology that utilizes electroluminescence. Electroluminescence refers to the optical and electrical phenomena of light emission caused by applying a current or a strong electric field to the material. Many applications such as automobile dashboard displays and nightlights are based on the principle of electroluminescence.
The basic structure of such a display is sandwiching a suitable luminescent material (GaAs, phosphor) between two layers of conductors; when current flows, the material layer emits visible light.
Examples of various ELD applications are seen below. Click on the images for more information.
Examples of various ELD applications are seen below. Click on the images for more information.
Tasel-branded ELT15S technology demonstrator Electroluminescent (EL) Panel from Adafruit Dodge Charger Electroluminescent Instrument Cluster
Stretchable and Washable Electroluminescent Display Screen-Printed on Textile
Part 1: Electroluminescent Wire
Components
- EL Wire
- Ada-Fruit 12V EL wire/tape inverter
- Solder / Soldering iron
- Copper tape
- Heat shrink tubing
- Plug-in 12V adapter
- 2-pin JST SM plug and receptacle cable set
Directions:
- Step 1 (easy plug and play):
- Plug the EL wire into the 12V inverter. Attach the 12V inverter to the 12V adapter. Take a picture of the wire working.
- https://www.adafruit.com/product/448
- https://learn.adafruit.com/el-wire/soldering-to-el-wire
- Cut a piece of the EL wire and follow the instructions on how to solder EL wire to an inverter. Take a picture of your rebuilt wire working.
Questions:
- Describe the setup you built and how it works. What did you have to solder together?
- For what applications can EL wire be used?
- Describe the properties of the material used in the EL wire.
Part 2: Building a Simple Electroluminescent Display
Questions:
- Briefly explain the basic operating principles of electroluminescence.
- What determines the color of the display?
- Examine the cross section of a screen printed EL display. Describe the purpose of each layer.
- Draw an energy band diagram for the bottom emitting device.
- What are some advantages and disadvantages of screen printing?
Fun Display Stuff!
How To Print Silk-Screening EL Display Using Electroluminescence Ink:
Useful Links:
Electroluminescence Files:
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