Steven M. Jaffe

New lighting for the design of high quality biomedical devices

Light is a powerful tool for the life sciences. High intensity, low cost light engines are therefore essential to the design and proliferation of new bioanalytical instruments, medical devices and miniaturized analyzers. Lumencor has developed an inexpensive lighting solution, uniquely well suited to the production of safe, effective, commercial life science devices. Lumencor’s proprietary technology provides powerful, pure, stable, inexpensive light across the UV-Vis-IR. Light engines are designed to directly replace the entire configuration of light management components with a single, simple unit. Multicolor prototypes will be discussed and their performance capabilities disclosed.

New phosphor technology removes the limitation on resolution and brightness for projection television

This paper presents an update on the progress to commercialize a new unique replacement for the powder phosphor currently used in projection cathode ray tubes (CRTs). The new technology designated Resonant Microcavity Phosphor (RMP) is now being put into CRTs similar to those currently used in commercial rear projection televisions. This new technology allows resolution, brightness and dynamic range well beyond what is possible with powder phosphor. It is intended that this paper give engineers a basic understanding of the characteristics and advantages of the RMP technology. Some of the key reasons for developing a new phosphor for the projection CRT are presented. Current and future RMP-CRT performance and some other applications for RMP technology are also reviewed.

Progress toward making full-color RMP-CRTs

Two years ago, at the SPIE AeroSense 1999 Conference, Quantum Vision reported on a new technology that we predicted would become the best choice for projection displays. Quantum Vision has now developed this alternate approach, the resonant microcavity phosphor [RMP] for use in CRTs. The Quantum Vision patented technology provides a robust, high technology replacement for the powder phosphor currently used in most CRTs. This emissive component is based upon a rugged thin film phosphor, capable of generating high brightness, extended lifetime, expanded dynamic range and higher resolution images. Current measurements and theoretical predictions indicate that RMP-CRT projection displays can lead to much higher light throughput and electron beam limited resolution, while having a cost profile consistent with high volume CRT products. Other features make it ideal for use with holographic and diffractive optical elements. Data is presented demonstrating the characteristics of red, blue and green RMP-CRT faceplates operated on a demountable CRT test station design by Quantum Vision.

Progress toward prototype high-definition video-projection CRTs using resonant microcavity phosphor display technology

This paper presents an update on the progress to commercialize a new, unique replacement for the powder phosphor currently used in projection cathode ray tubes (CRTs). The new display technology designated Resonant Microcavity Phosphor display (RMP), is now being tested for use in CRTs similar to those currently used in commercial rear projection televisions. This new technology allows resolution, brightness and dynamic range well beyond what is possible with current powder phosphor approaches. Recent test data on operational red, blue and green RMPs faceplates will be presented. Additionally, this paper gives engineers a basic understanding of the characteristics and advantages of the RMP display technology. Some of the key reasons for the need for a new phosphor for the projection CRT are presented. Current and future RMP Display performance is presented. Another future application for RMP technology is as a narrow-band electronically addressable light source, an economical replacement for laser scanning. The technology also has many other applications where a uniform, large area, narrow-band light source or confined beam (non-Lambertian), electron excited light generation is required.

Avionic applications of resonant microcavity anodes

Avionic engineers are increasingly replacing CRTs with LCDs in both head-up displays and head down displays. Indeed, LCDs have made considerable progress with regards to adequate brightness, dimmability and reliability. Image quality issues in terms of resolution, viewing angle, gray scale and color gamut have also been improved. However, much more progress is required and manufacturing cost cannot be ignored. Quantum Vision is actively developing an alternate approach, the resonant microcavity anode. This emissive component is based upon rugged thin film phosphors capable of generating high brightness and high resolution images. Current theoretical predictions indicate that resonant microcavities can lead to an order of magnitude increase in brightness while having a cost profile consistent with high volume products.

Resonant microcavity projection displays

In this paper we will outline the theoretical and practical advantages of projection displays based on resonant microcavities. We will present results recently obtained for Eu:Y2O3 activated microcavities, compare them with theoretical models and discuss the impact of such devices. The extension to other optical systems will also be discussed.