Electroluminescence

Book excerpt: Electroluminescence deals with the multiplicity of forms related to electroluminescence phenomena. The book reviews some basic observations of electroluminescence, the Gudden-Pohl and Dechene effects, the electroluminescence phenomena in zinc sulfide phosphors, in silicon carbide, and in compounds composed of elements in groups III and V of the Periodic Table (such as gallium phosphide). The text also explains polarization of free charge carriers, the outline of junction breakdown theory, carrier recombination, and phosphor suspensions. The book describes the growth of zinc sulfide crystals (from solution, melt, or vapor), electroluminescence effects in zinc sulfide crystals, and observations made in the pre-breakdown region in single crystals of cadmium sulfide. Boer and Kummel (1952) describes the pre-breakdown region, under stable and wholly reversible conditions, as being connected with thermal instability. The book notes that the reversibility and repeatability of the phenomena below the breakdown point show that the field effects responsible for the sharp increase in conductance do not damage the crystal. The text also discusses the construction and characteristics of electroluminescent cells, as well as their applications. The book will prove valuable for physico-chemists, technical designers, or engineers whose works are related to instrumentation and solid-state electronics.