Electroluminescence

Usha Shukla

Abstract

Electroluminescence (EL) is a kind of luminescence which is an optical and electrical phenomenon in which light is emitted by certain materials due to the passage of an electric current or a strong electric field. The mechanism behind electroluminescence is the radiative recombination, or spontaneous emission. The electrons get excited and release their energy as photons. The holes and electrons before recombining are separated either by doping the given material to form a p-n junction (such as light-emitting diodes) or by exciting high-energy electrons which are accelerated by a strong electric field. Electroluminescence is the principle behind the construction of various LEDs, automobile displays, and night lamps. Semiconductors are the most commonly available electroluminescent materials. The consumption of power by electroluminescent technologies is low. Electroluminescent lighting is now used as an application for public safety and welfare. This paper reports the mechanisms and various applications of EL.

Abstract

Keywords