Electroluminescent (EL) Lamps

EL lamps are essentially a flat capacitor structure with microencapsulated zinc sulfide phosphor particles sandwiched between two electrodes. One of the electrodes is transparent to allow light to escape. Application of an AC voltage across the electrodes generates a changing electric field within the phosphor layer. This change of field causes the phosphor particles to emit visible light.

EL lamps draw very little power, therefore produce little heat. Because they don't contain filaments or mechanical parts, EL lamps are not susceptible to shock, vibration or catastrophic light failure, making them ideal for applications such as cellular phones, hand-held portable electronic devices, and automotive backlighting and “mood” lighting.

GSI is a recognized leader in EL production, testing, and qualification and GSI’s EL lamps are among the brightest available. We can design EL lamps for any size, shape, or form you can imagine. All that’s needed is a low electrical current to make the millions of tiny phosphor particles in the lamp glow.

GSI Advantages

  • Industry Leader —GSI is a recognized leader in EL production, testing, and qualification.
  • Superior Brightness — GSI EL systems are among the brightest available, with green: 100 cd/m2 (29fL) and white-on/white-off: 35 cd/m2 (10fL).
  • Flexible Applications — GSI custom designs its EL lamps to backlight, or selectively backlight areas of small, complex or unusual shapes for specific applications.
  • Extremely thin (typ. 0.30mm thick) and lightweight
  • Rugged, moisture resistant construction
  • Impervious to shock, vibration, or catastrophic failure
  • Even, uniform illumination
  • Low power consumption (75-90% less than LED)
  • Cool operation, produces no heat
  • Long-lasting, providing thousands of hours of useful hours of light
  • No glare

Typical Applications:

  • LCD backlights
  • Keypad backlights
  • Automotive instrument panels
  • Automotive gear indicators (PRNDLs)
  • Nightlights
  • EXIT signs
  • Address signs
  • Animated Point-of-Purchase (POP) displays
  • Digital and analog clocks
  • Remote control keypads
  • Industrial controls, gauges and meters