Understanding Field Emission Theorem of Laser Treated Buckypaper

1. ACHIEVEMENTS OBJECTIVES & STATE OF THE ART QUANTITATIVE IMPACT END-OF-PHASE GOAL NEW INSIGHTS Understanding Field Emission Theorem of Laser Treated Buckypaper • Our objective is to create a better backlight for LCD using Buckypaper. • What’s wrong with current backlight technology? • Current backlights are very costly, comprising 60% of the cost of a LCD • Many components are needed to transform linear light into planar light • Quick heat buildup leads to the destruction of liquid crystals • MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS: • Created a set-up where it is possible to take standardized measurements of the luminance of different samples. • Gained experience in manufacturing samples for testing • HOW IT WORKS: • We use a sandwich structure for our samples • Indium tin oxide (ITO) glass act as an anode and cathode • Buckypaper is attached to the cathode • The anode is covered with Phosphor, which will emit light when it is struck by an electron • A spacer is put in place between the anode and cathode • The sample is then put in a vacuum chamber and hooked up to a power generator • RESEARCH ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS: • High vacuum required to maintain field emission • Prototype sealing issues • Unlike current backlights, which are linearly luminary, a CNT backlight would be planar. • Reduce cost by 25% • Reduce weight by 50% • Field Electron Emission • It is possible to generate electrons from a material if we put that material in a large enough electrical potential. • Laser treating the Buckypaper allows us to essentially “aim” electrons • CNT are directed upward due to the heat from the laser during treatment • Future Goals • Find optimal parameters and pattern to maximize luminance and uniformity • Design a portable vacuum chamber for samples Buckypaper provides a cost-effective alternative to current backlight technology