Design of a multi-channel true flat fluorescent lamp for avionic AM-LCD backlighting

For backlighting a direct view avionic liquid crystal display (LCD), a multi-channel true flat fluorescent lamp (T-FFL) has been designed and developed. The design and development was accomplished through (1) electric field plot for various ratios of depth to height of the hollow cathode, (2) decrease of charge losses, (3) employment of internal dielectric mirror, (4) monitoring of the penetration of internal positive column, and (5) design of a constant current drive for T-FFL. A luminance of 3000 fL. with a luminous efficiency of 16.2 l/w has been achieved on a 3" diagonal T-FFL. >