U.S. patent application number 11/313745 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-11 for socket for use with a micro-component in a light-emitting panel.
This patent application is currently assigned to Science Applications International Corp., a California corporation. Invention is credited to Edward Victor George, Albert Myron Green, Roger Laverne Johnson, Newell Convers Wyeth.
Application Number | 20060097620 11/313745 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24800774 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060097620 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
George; Edward Victor ; et
al. |
May 11, 2006 |
Socket for use with a micro-component in a light-emitting panel
Abstract
An improved light-emitting panel having a plurality of
micro-components at least partially disposed in a socket and
sandwiched between two substrates is disclosed. Each
micro-component contains a gas or gas-mixture capable of ionization
when a sufficiently large voltage is supplied across the
micro-component via at least two electrodes.
Inventors: |
George; Edward Victor; (Lake
Arrowhead, CA) ; Johnson; Roger Laverne; (Encinitas,
CA) ; Green; Albert Myron; (Springfield, VA) ;
Wyeth; Newell Convers; (Oakton, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KILPATRICK STOCKTON LLP
607 14TH STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
Science Applications International
Corp., a California corporation
|
Family ID: |
24800774 |
Appl. No.: |
11/313745 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11135538 |
May 24, 2005 |
7005793 |
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11313745 |
Dec 22, 2005 |
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10643608 |
Aug 20, 2003 |
6902456 |
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11135538 |
May 24, 2005 |
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10318150 |
Dec 13, 2002 |
6646388 |
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10643608 |
Aug 20, 2003 |
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09697346 |
Oct 27, 2000 |
6545422 |
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10318150 |
Dec 13, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
313/484 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01J 61/305 20130101;
G09G 2300/0439 20130101; G09G 2300/0426 20130101; G09G 2300/08
20130101; G09G 3/288 20130101; H01J 17/49 20130101; G01J 3/443
20130101; H01J 11/18 20130101; G01J 1/4257 20130101; H01J 61/30
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
313/484 |
International
Class: |
H01J 61/00 20060101
H01J061/00 |
Claims
1. A energy-detecting light-emitting panel comprising: a first
substrate; a second substrate opposed to the first substrate; a
plurality of sockets, each socket comprising a cavity and wherein
the cavity is patterned on the first substrate so as to be formed
in the first substrate; a plurality of micro-components, each
micro-component containing an ionizable gas or gas-mixture, wherein
at least one micro-component of the plurality of micro-components
is at least partially disposed in each socket; a plurality of
electrodes, wherein at least two electrodes of the plurality of
electrodes are adhered to only the first substrate, only the second
substrate, or at least one electrode of the at least two electrodes
is adhered to each of the first substrate and the second substrate;
wherein a voltage is applied to the at least two electrodes, which
voltage is just below a write potential required for ionization of
gas or gas-mixture, and wherein when at least a portion of the
panel is exposed to an external energy, the external energy causes
the gas or gas-mixture to ionize and at least one micro-component
to thereby emit radiation.
2. The energy-detecting light-emitting panel of claim 1, wherein
the external energy is photons.
3. The energy-detecting light-emitting panel of claim 1, wherein
the depth of the cavity is selected to achieve a specific field of
view for the light-emitting display.
4. The energy-detecting light-emitting panel of claim 1, wherein at
least one socket is at least partially coated with phosphor.
5. The energy-detecting light-emitting panel of claim 1, wherein at
least one socket is at least partially coated with a reflective
material.
6. The energy-detecting light-emitting panel of claim 1, further
comprising an adhesive or bonding agent disposed in the cavity.
7. The energy-detecting light-emitting panel of claim 1, wherein
the plurality of material layers comprise at least one enhancement
material selected from the group consisting of anti-glare coatings,
touch sensitive surfaces, contrast enhancement coatings, and
protective coatings.
8. The energy-detecting light-emitting panel of claim 1, wherein
the plurality of material layers comprise at least one enhancement
material selected from the group consisting of transistors,
integrated-circuits, semiconductor devices, inductors, capacitors,
resistors, diodes, control electronics, drive electronics,
pulse-forming networks, pulse compressors, pulse transformers, and
tuned-circuits.
9. A light-emitting panel comprising: a first substrate; a second
substrate opposed to the first substrate; a plurality of sockets,
wherein each socket of the plurality of sockets comprises a cavity
and wherein the cavity is patterned on the first substrate so as to
be formed in the first substrate; a plurality of micro-components,
wherein at least one micro-component of the plurality of
micro-components is at least partially disposed in each socket; a
plurality of electrodes, wherein at least two electrodes of the
plurality of electrodes are adhered to only the first substrate,
only the second substrate, or at least one electrode is adhered to
the each of the first substrate and the second substrate and
wherein the at least two electrodes are arranged so that voltage
supplied to the at least two electrodes causes one or more
micro-components to emit radiation.
10. The light-emitting panel of claim 9, wherein the cavity is in a
shape selected from the group consisting of a cube, a cone, a
conical frustum, a paraboloid, spherical, cylindrical, a pyramid, a
pyramidal frustum, a parallelepiped, and a prism.
11. The light-emitting panel of claim 9, wherein the depth of the
cavity is selected to achieve a specific field of view for the
light-emitting display.
12. The light-emitting panel of claim 9, wherein at least one
socket is at least partially coated with phosphor.
13. The light-emitting panel of claim 9, wherein at least one
socket is at least partially coated with a reflective material.
14. The light-emitting panel of claim 9, further comprising an
adhesive or bonding agent disposed in the cavity.
15. The light-emitting panel of claim 9, wherein at least one
socket comprises at least one enhancement material selected from
the group consisting of anti-glare coatings, touch sensitive
surfaces, contrast enhancement coatings, and protective
coatings.
16. The light-emitting panel of claim 9, wherein at least one
socket comprises at least one enhancement material selected from
the group consisting of transistors, integrated-circuits,
semiconductor devices, inductors, capacitors, resistors, diodes,
control electronics, drive electronics, pulse-forming networks,
pulse compressors, pulse transformers, and tuned-circuits.
17. A light-emitting panel comprising: a first substrate; a second
substrate opposed to the first substrate; a plurality of sockets,
wherein each socket of the plurality of sockets comprises: a
cavity, wherein the cavity is patterned on the first substrate so
as to be formed in the first substrate; and a plurality of material
layers, wherein the plurality of material layers are disposed on
the first substrate such that the plurality of material layers
conform to the shape of the cavity of each socket; a plurality of
micro-components, wherein at least one micro-component of the
plurality of micro-components is at least partially disposed in
each socket; a plurality of electrodes, wherein at least one
electrode of the plurality of electrodes is disposed within the
material layers.
18. The light-emitting display of claim 17, wherein at least two
electrodes of the plurality of electrodes are arranged so that
voltage supplied to the at least two electrodes causes one or more
micro-components to emit radiation throughout the field of view of
the light-emitting panel without crossing the at least two
electrodes.
19. The light-emitting panel of claim 17, wherein the shape of the
cavity is selected from the group consisting of a cube, a cone, a
conical frustum, a paraboloid, spherical, cylindrical, a pyramid, a
pyramidal frustum, a parallelepiped, and a prism.
20. The light-emitting panel of claim 17, wherein the depth of the
cavity is selected to achieve a specific field of view for the
light-emitting display.
21. The light-emitting panel of claim 17, wherein at least one
socket is at least partially coated with phosphor.
22. The light-emitting panel of claim 17, wherein at least one
socket is at least partially coated with a reflective material.
23. The light-emitting panel of claim 17, further comprising an
adhesive or bonding agent disposed in each socket.
24. The light-emitting panel of claim 17, wherein the material
layers comprise at least one enhancement material selected from the
group consisting of anti-glare coatings, touch sensitive surfaces,
contrast enhancement coatings, and protective coatings.
25. The light-emitting panel of claim 17, wherein the material
layers comprise at least one enhancement material selected from the
group consisting of transistors, integrated-circuits, semiconductor
devices, inductors, capacitors, resistors, diodes, control
electronics, drive electronics, pulse-forming networks, pulse
compressors, pulse transformers, and tuned-circuits.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The current application is a continuation application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/135,538, which is a divisional
application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,902,456 (application Ser. No.
10/643,608), which is a continuation application of U.S. Pat. No.
6,646,388 (application Ser. No. 10/318,150), filed Dec. 13, 2002
and titled Socket for Use with a Micro-Component in a
Light-Emitting Panel which is a continuation of similarly titled
U.S. Pat. No. 6,545,422 filed Oct. 27, 2000. The following
applications filed on the same date as the present application are
herein incorporated by reference: U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/697,358 entitled A Micro-Component for Use in a Light-Emitting
Panel filed Oct. 27, 2000; U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/697,498 entitled A Method for Testing a Light-Emitting Panel and
the Components Therein filed Oct. 27, 2000; U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/697,345 entitled A Method and System for Energizing a
Micro-Component In a Light-Emitting Panel filed Oct. 27, 2000; and
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/697,344 entitled A
Light-Emitting Panel and a Method of Making filed Oct. 27,
2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a light-emitting panel and
methods of fabricating the same. The present invention further
relates to a socket, for use in a light-emitting panel, in which a
micro-component is at least partially disposed.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] In a typical plasma display, a gas or mixture of gases is
enclosed between orthogonally crossed and spaced conductors. The
crossed conductors define a matrix of cross over points, arranged
as an array of miniature picture elements (pixels), which provide
light. At any given pixel, the orthogonally crossed and spaced
conductors function as opposed plates of a capacitor, with the
enclosed gas serving as a dielectric. When a sufficiently large
voltage is applied, the gas at the pixel breaks down creating free
electrons that are drawn to the positive conductor and positively
charged gas ions that are drawn to the negatively charged
conductor. These free electrons and positively charged gas ions
collide with other gas atoms causing an avalanche effect creating
still more free electrons and positively charged ions, thereby
creating plasma. The voltage level at which this ionization occurs
is called the write voltage.
[0006] Upon application of a write voltage, the gas at the pixel
ionizes and emits light only briefly as free charges formed by the
ionization migrate to the insulating dielectric walls of the cell
where these charges produce an opposing voltage to the applied
voltage and thereby extinguish the ionization. Once a pixel has
been written, a continuous sequence of light emissions can be
produced by an alternating sustain voltage. The amplitude of the
sustain waveform can be less than the amplitude of the write
voltage, because the wall charges that remain from the preceding
write or sustain operation produce a voltage that adds to the
voltage of the succeeding sustain waveform applied in the reverse
polarity to produce the ionizing voltage. Mathematically, the idea
can be set out as V.sub.s=V.sub.w-V .sub.wal1, where V.sub.s is the
sustain voltage, V.sub.w is the write voltage, and V.sub.wall is
the wall voltage. Accordingly, a previously unwritten (or erased)
pixel cannot be ionized by the sustain waveform alone. An erase
operation can be thought of as a write operation that proceeds only
far enough to allow the previously charged cell walls to discharge;
it is similar to the write operation except for timing and
amplitude.
[0007] Typically, there are two different arrangements of
conductors that are used to perform the write, erase, and sustain
operations. The one common element throughout the arrangements is
that the sustain and the address electrodes are spaced apart with
the plasma-forming gas in between. Thus, at least one of the
address or sustain electrodes is located within the path the
radiation travels, when the plasma-forming gas ionizes, as it exits
the plasma display. Consequently, transparent or semi-transparent
conductive materials must be used, such as indium tin oxide (ITO),
so that the electrodes do not interfere with the displayed image
from the plasma display. Using ITO, however, has several
disadvantages, for example, ITO is expensive and adds significant
cost to the manufacturing process and ultimately the final plasma
display.
[0008] The first arrangement uses two orthogonally crossed
conductors, one addressing conductor and one sustaining conductor.
In a gas panel of this type, the sustain waveform is applied across
all the addressing conductors and sustain conductors so that the
gas panel maintains a previously written pattern of light emitting
pixels. For a conventional write operation, a suitable write
voltage pulse is added to the sustain voltage waveform so that the
combination of the write pulse and the sustain pulse produces
ionization. In order to write an individual pixel independently,
each of the addressing and sustain conductors has an individual
selection circuit. Thus, applying a sustain waveform across all the
addressing and sustain conductors, but applying a write pulse
across only one addressing and one sustain conductor will produce a
write operation in only the one pixel at the intersection of the
selected addressing and sustain conductors.
[0009] The second arrangement uses three conductors. In panels of
this type, called coplanar sustaining panels, each pixel is formed
at the intersection of three conductors, one addressing conductor
and two parallel sustaining conductors. In this arrangement, the
addressing conductor orthogonally crosses the two parallel
sustaining conductors. With this type of panel, the sustain
function is performed between the two parallel sustaining
conductors and the addressing is done by the generation of
discharges between the addressing conductor and one of the two
parallel sustaining conductors.
[0010] The sustaining conductors are of two types,
addressing-sustaining conductors and solely sustaining conductors.
The function of the addressing-sustaining conductors is twofold: to
achieve a sustaining discharge in cooperation with the solely
sustaining conductors; and to fulfill an addressing role.
Consequently, the addressing-sustaining conductors are individually
selectable so that an addressing waveform may be applied to any one
or more addressing-sustaining conductors. The solely sustaining
conductors, on the other hand, are typically connected in such a
way that a sustaining waveform can be simultaneously applied to all
of the solely sustaining conductors so that they can be carried to
the same potential in the same instant.
[0011] Numerous types of plasma panel display devices have been
constructed with a variety of methods for enclosing a plasma
forming gas between sets of electrodes. In one type of plasma
display panel, parallel plates of glass with wire electrodes on the
surfaces thereof are spaced uniformly apart and sealed together at
the outer edges with the plasma forming gas filling the cavity
formed between the parallel plates. Although widely used, this type
of open display structure has various disadvantages. The sealing of
the outer edges of the parallel plates and the introduction of the
plasma forming gas are both expensive and time-consuming processes,
resulting in a costly end product. In addition, it is particularly
difficult to achieve a good seal at the sites where the electrodes
are fed through the ends of the parallel plates. This can result in
gas leakage and a shortened product lifecycle. Another disadvantage
is that individual pixels are not segregated within the parallel
plates. As a result, gas ionization activity in a selected pixel
during a write operation may spill over to adjacent pixels, thereby
raising the undesirable prospect of possibly igniting adjacent
pixels. Even if adjacent pixels are not ignited, the ionization
activity can change the turn-on and turn-off characteristics of the
nearby pixels.
[0012] In another type of known plasma display, individual pixels
are mechanically isolated either by forming trenches in one of the
parallel plates or by adding a perforated insulating layer
sandwiched between the parallel plates. These mechanically isolated
pixels, however, are not completely enclosed or isolated from one
another because there is a need for the free passage of the plasma
forming gas between the pixels to assure uniform gas pressure
throughout the panel. While this type of display structure
decreases spill over, spill over is still possible because the
pixels are not in total electrical isolation from one another. In
addition, in this type of display panel it is difficult to properly
align the electrodes and the gas chambers, which may cause pixels
to misfire. As with the open display structure, it is also
difficult to get a good seal at the plate edges. Furthermore, it is
expensive and time consuming to introduce the plasma producing gas
and seal the outer edges of the parallel plates.
[0013] In yet another type of known plasma display, individual
pixels are also mechanically isolated between parallel plates. In
this type of display, the plasma forming gas is contained in
transparent spheres formed of a closed transparent shell. Various
methods have been used to contain the gas filled spheres between
the parallel plates. In one method, spheres of varying sizes are
tightly bunched and randomly distributed throughout a single layer,
and sandwiched between the parallel plates. In a second method,
spheres are embedded in a sheet of transparent dielectric material
and that material is then sandwiched between the parallel plates.
In a third method, a perforated sheet of electrically nonconductive
material is sandwiched between the parallel plates with the gas
filled spheres distributed in the perforations.
[0014] While each of the types of displays discussed above are
based on different design concepts, the manufacturing approach used
in their fabrication is generally the same. Conventionally, a batch
fabrication process is used to manufacture these types of plasma
panels. As is well known in the art, in a batch process individual
component parts are fabricated separately, often in different
facilities and by different manufacturers, and then brought
together for final assembly where individual plasma panels are
created one at a time. Batch processing has numerous shortcomings,
such as, for example, the length of time necessary to produce a
finished product. Long cycle times increase product cost and are
undesirable for numerous additional reasons known in the art. For
example, a sizeable quantity of substandard, defective, or useless
fully or partially completed plasma panels may be produced during
the period between detection of a defect or failure in one of the
components and an effective correction of the defect or
failure.
[0015] This is especially true of the first two types of displays
discussed above; the first having no mechanical isolation of
individual pixels, and the second with individual pixels
mechanically isolated either by trenches formed in one parallel
plate or by a perforated insulating layer sandwiched between two
parallel plates. Due to the fact that plasma-forming gas is not
isolated at the individual pixel/subpixel level, the fabrication
process precludes the majority of individual component parts from
being tested until the final display is assembled. Consequently,
the display can only be tested after the two parallel plates are
sealed together and the plasma-forming gas is filled inside the
cavity between the two plates. If post production testing shows
that any number of potential problems have occurred, (e.g. poor
luminescence or no luminescence at specific pixels/subpixels) the
entire display is discarded.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a
light-emitting panel that may be used as a large-area radiation
source, for energy modulation, for particle detection and as a
flat-panel display. Gas-plasma panels are preferred for these
applications due to their unique characteristics.
[0017] In one basic form, the light-emitting panel may be used as a
large area radiation source. By configuring the light-emitting
panel to emit ultraviolet (UV) light, the panel has application for
curing, painting, and sterilization. With the addition of a white
phosphor coating to convert the UV light to visible white light,
the panel also has application as an illumination source.
[0018] In addition, the light-emitting panel may be used as a
plasma-switched phase array by configuring the panel in at least
one embodiment in a microwave transmission mode. The panel is
configured in such a way that during ionization the plasma-forming
gas creates a localized index of refraction change for the
microwaves (although other wavelengths of light would work). The
microwave beam from the panel can then be steered or directed in
any desirable pattern by introducing at a localized area a phase
shift and/or directing the microwaves out of a specific aperture in
the panel
[0019] Additionally, the light-emitting panel may be used for
particle/photon detection. In this embodiment, the light-emitting
panel is subjected to a potential that is just slightly below the
write voltage required for ionization. When the device is subjected
to outside energy at a specific position or location in the panel,
that additional energy causes the plasma forming gas in the
specific area to ionize, thereby providing a means of detecting
outside energy.
[0020] Further, the light-emitting panel may be used in flat-panel
displays. These displays can be manufactured very thin and
lightweight, when compared to similar sized cathode ray tube
(CRTs), making them ideally suited for home, office, theaters and
billboards. In addition, these displays can be manufactured in
large sizes and with sufficient resolution to accommodate
high-definition television (HDTV). Gas-plasma panels do not suffer
from electromagnetic distortions and are, therefore, suitable for
applications strongly affected by magnetic fields, such as military
applications, radar systems, railway stations and other underground
systems.
[0021] According to a general embodiment of the present invention,
a light-emitting panel is made from two substrates, wherein one of
the substrates includes a plurality of sockets and wherein at least
two electrodes are disposed. At least partially disposed in each
socket is a micro-component, although more than one micro-component
may be disposed therein. Each micro-component includes a shell at
least partially filled with a gas or gas mixture capable of
ionization. When a large enough voltage is applied across the
micro-component the gas or gas mixture ionizes forming plasma and
emitting radiation. Various embodiments of the present invention
are drawn to different socket structures.
[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, a cavity is
patterned on a substrate such that it is formed in the substrate.
In another embodiment, a plurality of material layers form a
substrate and a portion of the material layers is selectively
removed to form a cavity. In another embodiment, a cavity is
patterned on a substrate so that the cavity is formed in the
substrate and a plurality of material layers are disposed on the
substrate such that the material layers conform to the shape of the
cavity. In another embodiment, a plurality of material layers, each
including an aperture, are disposed on a substrate. In this
embodiment, the material layers are disposed so that the apertures
are aligned, thereby forming a cavity. Other embodiments are
directed to methods for forming the sockets described above.
[0023] Each socket includes at least two electrodes that are
arranged so voltage applied to the two electrodes causes one or
more micro-components to emit radiation. In an embodiment of the
present invention, the at least two electrodes are adhered to only
the first substrate, only the second substrate, or at least one
electrode is adhered to the first substrate and at least one
electrode is adhered to the second substrate. In another
embodiment, the at least two electrodes are arranged so that the
radiation emitted from the micro-component when energized is
emitted throughout the field of view of the light-emitting panel
such that the radiation does not cross the two electrodes. In
another embodiment, at least one electrode is disposed within the
material layers.
[0024] A cavity can be any shape or size. In an embodiment, the
shape of the cavity is selected from a group consisting of a cube,
a cone, a conical frustum, a paraboloid, spherical, cylindrical, a
pyramid, a pyramidal frustum, a parallelepiped, and a prism. In
another embodiment, a socket and a micro-component are described
with a male-female connector type configuration. In this
embodiment, the micro-component and the cavity have complimentary
shapes, wherein the opening of the cavity is smaller than the
diameter of the micro-component so that when the micro-component is
disposed in the cavity the micro-component is held in place by the
cavity.
[0025] The size and shape of the socket influences the performance
and characteristics of the display and may be chosen, for example,
to optimize the panel's efficiency of operation. In addition, the
size and shape of the socket may be chosen to optimize photon
generation and provide increased luminosity and radiation transport
efficiency. Further, socket geometry may be selected based on the
shape and size of the micro-component to optimize the surface
contact between the micro-component and the socket and/or to ensure
connectivity of the micro-component and any electrodes disposed
within the socket. In an embodiment, the inside of a socket is
coated with a reflective material, which provides an increase in
luminosity.
[0026] Other features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention
are set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part,
will be obvious from this description, or may be learned from the
practice of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The foregoing and other features and advantages of this
invention will become more apparent by reference to the following
detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
[0028] FIG. 1 depicts a portion of a light-emitting panel showing
the basic socket structure of a socket formed from patterning a
substrate, as disclosed in an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 2 depicts a portion of a light-emitting panel showing
the basic socket structure of a socket formed from patterning a
substrate, as disclosed in another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 3A shows an example of a cavity that has a cube
shape.
[0031] FIG. 3B shows an example of a cavity that has a cone
shape.
[0032] FIG. 3C shows an example of a cavity that has a conical
frustum shape.
[0033] FIG. 3D shows an example of a cavity that has a paraboloid
shape.
[0034] FIG. 3E shows an example of a cavity that has a spherical
shape.
[0035] FIG. 3F shows an example of a cavity that has a cylindrical
shape.
[0036] FIG. 3G shows an example of a cavity that has a pyramid
shape.
[0037] FIG. 3H shows an example of a cavity that has a pyramidal
frustum shape.
[0038] FIG. 31 shows an example of a cavity that has a
parallelepiped shape.
[0039] FIG. 3J shows an example of a cavity that has a prism
shape.
[0040] FIG. 4 shows the socket structure from a light-emitting
panel of an embodiment of the present invention with a narrower
field of view.
[0041] FIG. 5 shows the socket structure from a light-emitting
panel of an embodiment of the present invention with a wider field
of view.
[0042] FIG. 6A depicts a portion of a light-emitting panel showing
the basic socket structure of a socket formed from disposing a
plurality of material layers and then selectively removing a
portion of the material layers with the electrodes having a
co-planar configuration.
[0043] FIG. 6B is a cut-away of FIG. 6A showing in more detail the
co-planar sustaining electrodes.
[0044] FIG. 7A depicts a portion of a light-emitting panel showing
the basic socket structure of a socket formed from disposing a
plurality of material layers and then selectively removing a
portion of the material layers with the electrodes having a
mid-plane configuration.
[0045] FIG. 7B is a cut-away of FIG. 7A showing in more detail the
uppermost sustain electrode.
[0046] FIG. 8 depicts a portion of a light-emitting panel showing
the basic socket structure of a socket formed from disposing a
plurality of material layers and then selectively removing a
portion of the material layers with the electrodes having an
configuration with two sustain and two address electrodes, where
the address electrodes are between the two sustain electrodes.
[0047] FIG. 9 depicts a portion of a light-emitting panel showing
the basic socket structure of a socket formed from patterning a
substrate and then disposing a plurality of material layers on the
substrate so that the material layers conform to the shape of the
cavity with the electrodes having a co-planar configuration.
[0048] FIG. 10 depicts a portion of a light-emitting panel showing
the basic socket structure of a socket formed from patterning a
substrate and then disposing a plurality of material layers on the
substrate so that the material layers conform to the shape of the
cavity with the electrodes having a mid-plane configuration.
[0049] FIG. 11 depicts a portion of a light-emitting panel showing
the basic socket structure of a socket formed from patterning a
substrate and then disposing a plurality of material layers on the
substrate so that the material layers conform to the shape of the
cavity with the electrodes having a configuration with two sustain
and two address electrodes, where the address electrodes are
between the two sustain electrodes.
[0050] FIG. 12 shows a portion of a socket of an embodiment of the
present invention where the micro-component and the cavity are
formed as a type of male-female connector.
[0051] FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of a portion of a
light-emitting panel showing the basic socket structure of a socket
formed by disposing a plurality of material layers with aligned
apertures on a substrate with the electrodes having a co-planar
configuration.
[0052] FIG. 14 shows an exploded view of a portion of a
light-emitting panel showing the basic socket structure of a socket
formed by disposing a plurality of material layers with aligned
apertures on a substrate with the electrodes having a mid-plane
configuration.
[0053] FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of a portion of a
light-emitting panel showing the basic socket structure of a socket
formed by disposing a plurality of material layers with aligned
apertures on a substrate with electrodes having a configuration
with two sustain and two address electrodes, where the address
electrodes are between the two sustain electrodes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0054] As embodied and broadly described herein, the preferred
embodiments of the present invention are directed to a novel
light-emitting panel. In particular, the preferred embodiments are
directed to a socket capable of being used in the light-emitting
panel and supporting at least one micro-component.
[0055] FIGS. 1 and 2 show two embodiments of the present invention
wherein a light-emitting panel includes a first substrate 10 and a
second substrate 20. The first substrate 10 may be made from
silicates, polypropylene, quartz, glass, any polymeric-based
material or any material or combination of materials known to one
skilled in the art. Similarly, second substrate 20 may be made from
silicates, polypropylene, quartz, glass, any polymeric-based
material or any material or combination of materials known to one
skilled in the art. First substrate 10 and second substrate 20 may
both be made from the same material or each of a different
material. Additionally, the first and second substrate may be made
of a material that dissipates heat from the light-emitting panel.
In a preferred embodiment, each substrate is made from a material
that is mechanically flexible.
[0056] The first substrate 10 includes a plurality of sockets 30.
The sockets 30 may be disposed in any pattern, having uniform or
non-uniform spacing between adjacent sockets. Patterns may include,
but are not limited to, alphanumeric characters, symbols, icons, or
pictures. Preferably, the sockets 30 are disposed in the first
substrate 10 so that the distance between adjacent sockets 30 is
approximately equal. Sockets 30 may also be disposed in groups such
that the distance between one group of sockets and another group of
sockets is approximately equal. This latter approach may be
particularly relevant in color light-emitting panels, where each
socket in each group of sockets may represent red, green and blue,
respectively.
[0057] At least partially disposed in each socket 30 is at least
one micro-component 40. Multiple micro-components 40 may be
disposed in a socket to provide increased luminosity and enhanced
radiation transport efficiency. In a color light-emitting panel
according to one embodiment of the present invention, a single
socket supports three micro-components configured to emit red,
green, and blue light, respectively. The micro-components 40 may be
of any shape, including, but not limited to, spherical,
cylindrical, and aspherical. In addition, it is contemplated that a
micro-component 40 includes a micro-component placed or formed
inside another structure, such as placing a spherical
micro-component inside a cylindrical-shaped structure. In a color
light-emitting panel, each cylindrical-shaped structure may hold
micro-components configured to emit a single color of visible light
or multiple colors arranged red, green, blue, or in some other
suitable color arrangement.
[0058] In its most basic form, each micro-component 40 includes a
shell 50 filled with a plasma-forming gas or gas mixture 45. While
a plasma-forming gas or gas mixture 45 is used in a preferred
embodiment, any other material capable of providing luminescence is
also contemplated, such as an electro-luminescent material, organic
light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), or an electro-phoretic material. The
shell 50 may have a diameter ranging from micrometers to
centimeters as measured across its minor axis, with virtually no
limitation as to its size as measured across its major axis. For
example, a cylindrical-shaped micro-component may be only 100
microns in diameter across its minor axis, but may be hundreds of
meters long across its major axis. In a preferred embodiment, the
outside diameter of the shell, as measured across its minor axis,
is from 100 microns to 300 microns. When a sufficiently large
voltage is applied across the micro-component the gas or gas
mixture ionizes forming plasma and emitting radiation.
[0059] A cavity 55 formed within and/or on a substrate provides the
basic socket 30 structure. The cavity 55 may be any shape and size.
As depicted in FIGS. 3A-3J, the shape of the cavity 55 may include,
but is not limited to, a cube 100, a cone 110, a conical frustum
120, a paraboloid 130, spherical 140, cylindrical 150, a pyramid
160, a pyramidal frustum 170, a parallelepiped 180, or a prism 190.
In addition, in another embodiment of the present invention as
shown in FIG. 12, the socket 30 may be formed as a type of
male-female connector with a male micro-component 40 and a female
cavity 55. The male micro-component 40 and female cavity 55 are
formed to have complimentary shapes. As shown in FIG. 12, as an
example, both the cavity and micro-component have complimentary
cylindrical shapes. The opening 35 of the female cavity is formed
such that the opening is smaller than the diameter d of the male
micro-component. The larger diameter male micro-component can be
forced through the smaller opening of the female cavity 55 so that
the male micro-component 40 is locked/held in the cavity and
automatically aligned in the socket with respect to at least one
electrode 500 disposed therein. This arrangement provides an added
degree of flexibility for micro-component placement. In another
embodiment, this socket structure provides a means by which
cylindrical micro-components may be fed through the sockets on a
row-by-row basis or in the case of a single long cylindrical
micro-component (although other shapes would work equally well)
fed/woven throughout the entire light-emitting panel.
[0060] The size and shape of the socket 30 influences the
performance and characteristics of the light-emitting panel and are
selected to optimize the panel's efficiency of operation. In
addition, socket geometry may be selected based on the shape and
size of the micro-component to optimize the surface contact between
the micro-component and the socket and/or to ensure connectivity of
the micro-component and the electrodes disposed on or within the
socket. Further, the size and shape of the sockets 30 may be chosen
to optimize photon generation and provide increased luminosity and
radiation transport efficiency.
[0061] As shown by example in FIGS. 4 and 5, the size and shape may
be chosen to provide a field of view 400 with a specific angle
.theta., such that a micro-component 40 disposed in a deep socket
30 may provide more collimated light and hence a narrower viewing
angle .theta. (FIG. 4), while a micro-component 40 disposed in a
shallow socket 30 may provide a wider viewing angle .theta. (FIG.
5). That is to say, the cavity may be sized, for example, so that
its depth subsumes a micro-component that is deposited within a
socket, or it may be made shallow so that a micro-component is only
partially disposed within a socket.
[0062] There are a variety of coatings 350 that may be at least
partially added to a socket that also influence the performance and
characteristics of the light-emitting panel. Types of coatings 350
include, but are not limited to, adhesives, bonding agents,
coatings used to convert UV light to visible light, coatings used
as reflecting filters, and coatings used as band-gap filters. One
skilled in the art will recognize that other coatings may also be
used. The coatings 350 may be applied to the inside of the socket
30 by differential stripping, lithographic process, sputtering,
laser deposition, chemical deposition, vapor deposition, or
deposition using ink jet technology. One skilled in the art will
realize that other methods of coating the inside of the socket 30
may be used. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the variety of
socket coatings 350, a micro-component 40 may also be coated with a
variety of coatings 300. These micro-component coatings 300
include, but are not limited to, coatings used to convert UV light
to visible light, coatings used as reflecting filters, and coatings
used as band-gap filters.
[0063] In order to assist placing/holding a micro-component 40 or
plurality of micro-components in a socket 30, a socket 30 may
contain a bonding agent or an adhesive. The bonding agent or
adhesive may readily hold a micro-component or plurality of
micro-components in a socket or may require additional activation
energy to secure the micro-components or plurality of
micro-components in a socket. In an embodiment of the present
invention, where the micro-component is configured to emit UV
light, the inside of each of the sockets 30 is at least partially
coated with phosphor in order to convert the UV light to visible
light. In a color light-emitting panel, in accordance with another
embodiment, red, green, and blue phosphors are used to create
alternating red, green, and blue, pixels/subpixels, respectively.
By combining these colors at varying intensities all colors can be
formed. In another embodiment, the phosphor coating may be combined
with an adhesive so that the adhesive acts as a binder for the
phosphor and also binds the micro-component 40 to the socket 30
when it is cured. In addition, the socket 30 may be coated with a
reflective material, including, but not limited to, optical
dielectric stacks, to provide an increase in luminosity, by
directing radiation traveling in the direction of the substrate in
which the sockets are formed out through the field of view 400 of
the light-emitting panel.
[0064] In an embodiment for a method of making a light-emitting
panel including a plurality of sockets, a cavity 55 is formed, or
patterned, in a substrate 10 to create a basic socket shape. The
cavity may be formed in any suitable shape and size by any
combination of physically, mechanically, thermally, electrically,
optically, or chemically deforming the substrate. Disposed
proximate to, and/or in, each socket may be a variety of
enhancement materials 325. The enhancement materials 325 include,
but are not limited to, anti-glare coatings, touch sensitive
surfaces, contrast enhancement coatings, protective coatings,
transistors, integrated-circuits, semiconductor devices, inductors,
capacitors, resistors, diodes, control electronics, drive
electronics, pulse-forming networks, pulse compressors, pulse
transformers, and tuned-circuits.
[0065] In another embodiment of the present invention for a method
of making a light-emitting panel including a plurality of sockets,
a socket 30 is formed by disposing a plurality of material layers
60 to form a first substrate 10, disposing at least one electrode
either directly on the first substrate 10, within the material
layers or any combination thereof, and selectively removing a
portion of the material layers 60 to create a cavity. The material
layers 60 include any combination, in whole or in part, of
dielectric materials, metals, and enhancement materials 325. The
enhancement materials 325 include, but are not limited to,
anti-glare coatings, touch sensitive surfaces, contrast enhancement
coatings, protective coatings, transistors, integrated-circuits,
semiconductor devices, inductors, capacitors, resistors, diodes,
control electronics, drive electronics, pulse-forming networks,
pulse compressors, pulse transformers, and tuned-circuits. The
placement of the material layers 60 may be accomplished by any
transfer process, photolithography, sputtering, laser deposition,
chemical deposition, vapor deposition, or deposition using ink jet
technology. One of general skill in the art will recognize other
appropriate methods of disposing a plurality of material layers on
a substrate. The cavity 55 may be formed in the material layers 60
by a variety of methods including, but not limited to, wet or dry
etching, photolithography, laser heat treatment, thermal form,
mechanical punch, embossing, stamping-out, drilling, electroforming
or by dimpling.
[0066] In another embodiment of the present invention for a method
of making a light-emitting panel including a plurality of sockets,
a socket 30 is formed by patterning a cavity 55 in a first
substrate 10, disposing a plurality of material layers 65 on the
first substrate 10 so that the material layers 65 conform to the
cavity 55, and disposing at least one electrode on the first
substrate 10, within the material layers 65, or any combination
thereof. The cavity may be formed in any suitable shape and size by
any combination of physically, mechanically, thermally,
electrically, optically, or chemically deforming the substrate. The
material layers 65 include any combination, in whole or in part, of
dielectric materials, metals, and enhancement materials 325. The
enhancement materials 325 include, but are not limited to,
anti-glare coatings, touch sensitive surfaces, contrast enhancement
coatings, protective coatings, transistors, integrated-circuits,
semiconductor devices, inductors, capacitors, resistors, diodes,
control electronics, drive electronics, pulse-forming networks,
pulse compressors, pulse transformers, and tuned-circuits. The
placement of the material layers 65 may be accomplished by any
transfer process, photolithography, sputtering, laser deposition,
chemical deposition, vapor deposition, or deposition using ink jet
technology. One of general skill in the art will recognize other
appropriate methods of disposing a plurality of material layers on
a substrate.
[0067] In another embodiment of the present invention for a method
of making a light-emitting panel including a plurality of sockets,
a socket 30 is formed by disposing a plurality of material layers
66 on a first substrate 10 and disposing at least one electrode on
the first substrate 10, within the material layers 66, or any
combination thereof. Each of the material layers includes a
preformed aperture 56 that extends through the entire material
layer. The apertures may be of the same size or may be of different
sizes. The plurality of material layers 66 are disposed on the
first substrate with the apertures in alignment thereby forming a
cavity 55. The material layers 66 include any combination, in whole
or in part, of dielectric materials, metals, and enhancement
materials 325. The enhancement materials 325 include, but are not
limited to, anti-glare coatings, touch sensitive surfaces, contrast
enhancement coatings, protective coatings, transistors,
integrated-circuits, semiconductor devices, inductors, capacitors,
resistors, diodes, control electronics, drive electronics,
pulse-forming networks, pulse compressors, pulse transformers, and
tuned-circuits. The placement of the material layers 66 may be
accomplished by any transfer process, photolithography, sputtering,
laser deposition, chemical deposition, vapor deposition, or
deposition using ink jet technology. One of general skill in the
art will recognize other appropriate methods of disposing a
plurality of material layers on a substrate.
[0068] The electrical potential necessary to energize a
micro-component 40 is supplied via at least two electrodes. In a
general embodiment of the present invention, a light-emitting panel
includes a plurality of electrodes, wherein at least two electrodes
are adhered to only the first substrate, only the second substrate
or at least one electrode is adhered to each of the first substrate
and the second substrate and wherein the electrodes are arranged so
that voltage applied to the electrodes causes one or more
micro-components to emit radiation. In another general embodiment,
a light-emitting panel includes a plurality of electrodes, wherein
at least two electrodes are arranged so that voltage supplied to
the electrodes cause one or more micro-components to emit radiation
throughout the field of view of the light-emitting panel without
crossing either of the electrodes.
[0069] In an embodiment where the cavities 55 are patterned on the
first substrate 10 so that the cavities are formed in the first
substrate, at least two electrodes may be disposed on the first
substrate 10, the second substrate 20, or any combination thereof.
In exemplary embodiments as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a sustain
electrode 70 is adhered on the second substrate 20 and an address
electrode 80 is adhered on the first substrate 10. In a preferred
embodiment, at least one electrode adhered to the first substrate
10 is at least partly disposed within the socket (FIGS. 1 and
2).
[0070] In an embodiment where the first substrate 10 includes a
plurality of material layers 60 and the cavities 55 are formed by
selectively removing a portion of the material layers, at least two
electrodes may be disposed on the first substrate 10, disposed
within the material layers 60, disposed on the second substrate 20,
or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A,
a first address electrode 80 is disposed within the material layers
60, a first sustain electrode 70 is disposed within the material
layers 60, and a second sustain electrode 75 is disposed within the
material layers 60, such that the first sustain electrode and the
second sustain electrode are in a co-planar configuration. FIG. 6B
is a cut-away of FIG. 6A showing the arrangement of the co-planar
sustain electrodes 70 and 75. In another embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 7A, a first sustain electrode 70 is disposed on the first
substrate 10, a first address electrode 80 is disposed within the
material layers 60, and a second sustain electrode 75 is disposed
within the material layers 60, such that the first address
electrode is located between the first sustain electrode and the
second sustain electrode in a mid-plane configuration. FIG. 7B is a
cut-away of FIG. 7A showing the first sustain electrode 70. As seen
in FIG. 8, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
first sustain electrode 70 is disposed within the material layers
60, a first address electrode 80 is disposed within the material
layers 60, a second address electrode 85 is disposed within the
material layers 60, and a second sustain electrode 75 is disposed
within the material layers 60, such that the first address
electrode and the second address electrode are located between the
first sustain electrode and the second sustain electrode.
[0071] In an embodiment where the cavities 55 are patterned on the
first substrate 10 and a plurality of material layers 65 are
disposed on the first substrate 10 so that the material layers
conform to the cavities 55, at least two electrodes may be disposed
on the first substrate 10, at least partially disposed within the
material layers 65, disposed on the second substrate 20, or any
combination thereof. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a first
address electrode 80 is disposed on the first substrate 10, a first
sustain electrode 70 is disposed within the material layers 65, and
a second sustain electrode 75 is disposed within the material
layers 65, such that the first sustain electrode and the second
sustain electrode are in a co-planar configuration. In another
embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a first sustain electrode 70 is
disposed on the first substrate 10, a first address electrode 80 is
disposed within the material layers 65, and a second sustain
electrode 75 is disposed within the material layers 65, such that
the first address electrode is located between the first sustain
electrode and the second sustain electrode in a mid-plane
configuration. As seen in FIG. 11, in a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, a first sustain electrode 70 is disposed on the
first substrate 10, a first address electrode 80 is disposed within
the material layers 65, a second address electrode 85 is disposed
within the material layers 65, and a second sustain electrode 75 is
disposed within the material layers 65, such that the first address
electrode and the second address electrode are located between the
first sustain electrode and the second sustain electrode.
[0072] In an embodiment where a plurality of material layers 66
with aligned apertures 56 are disposed on a first substrate 10
thereby creating the cavities 55, at least two electrodes may be
disposed on the first substrate 10, at least partially disposed
within the material layers 65, disposed on the second substrate 20,
or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13,
a first address electrode 80 is disposed on the first substrate 10,
a first sustain electrode 70 is disposed within the material layers
66, and a second sustain electrode 75 is disposed within the
material layers 66, such that the first sustain electrode and the
second sustain electrode are in a co-planar configuration. In
another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, a first sustain electrode
70 is disposed on the first substrate 10, a first address electrode
80 is disposed within the material layers 66, and a second sustain
electrode 75 is disposed within the material layers 66, such that
the first address electrode is located between the first sustain
electrode and the second sustain electrode in a mid-plane
configuration. As seen in FIG. 15, in a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, a first sustain electrode 70 is disposed on the
first substrate 10, a first address electrode 80 is disposed within
the material layers 66, a second address electrode 85 is disposed
within the material layers 66, and a second sustain electrode 75 is
disposed within the material layers 66, such that the first address
electrode and the second address electrode are located between the
first sustain electrode and the second sustain electrode.
[0073] Other embodiments and uses of the present invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of this
application and practice of the invention disclosed herein. The
present description and examples should be considered exemplary
only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being
indicated by the following claims. As will be understood by those
of ordinary skill in the art, variations and modifications of each
of the disclosed embodiments, including combinations thereof, can
be made within the scope of this invention as defined by the
following claims.
* * * * *