Ultra-Small Silicon Particles for Above-Band-Gap Luminescence

Silicon particles of miniscule dimension, so-called "quantum particles," will luminesce intensely when exposed to ultraviolet light. Using proprietary procedures, electrodes will be applied to these ultra-small quantum particles so that they may be made to electroluminesce. The process voltages will be compatible with the voltages for transistor circuitry. This work offers the promise of joining displays with integrated circuits on the same silicon wafer. Significant reductions of size, weight, and cost will be found with this monolithic silicon structure which contains both the electronic circuitry and display. Aside from its value to the military, commercial application areas include computer displays.