Light panel

(electronics) A surface-area light source employing the principle of electroluminescence; consists of a suitable phosphor placed between sheet-metal electrodes, one of which is essentially transparent, with an alternating current applied between the electrodes. Also known as electroluminescent cell; electroluminescent lamp; light panel; luminescent cell.

A surface-area light source that employs the principle of electroluminescence to produce light. Light panels are composed of two sheets of electrically conductive material, one a thin conducting backing and the other a transparent conductive film, placed on opposite sides of a plastic or ceramic sheet impregnated with a phosphor, such as zinc sulfide, and small amounts of compounds of copper or manganese. When an alternating voltage is applied to the conductive sheets, an electric field is applied to the phosphor. Each time the electric field changes, it dislodges electrons from the edges of the phosphor crystals. As these electrons fall back to their normal atomic state, they affect the atoms of the slight “impurities” of copper or manganese, and radiation of the wavelength of light is emitted. See also Electroluminescence.

In contrast to incandescent, vapor-discharge, and fluorescent lamps, which are essentially point or line sources of light, the electroluminescent light panel is essentially a surface source of light. Complete freedom of size and shape is a fascinating aspect of luminescent cells (see illustration). See also Illumination.

Simplified diagram of an electroluminescent cell.

A lamp in the form of a thin sheet, either rigid or flexible, which generates light by electroluminescence; characterized by low luminance and efficacy.