Electroluminescence is light emission of phosphor when it is placed in a strong electric field. This field is created by placing a dielectric (non conductive) layer between two electrodes. The field strength is affected by the voltage, distance between electrodes and the dielectric properties of the dielectric layer.
Current do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions for the creation of electroluminescent panels require more than two hours for the creation of a custom design and have a significant chance of failure. These factors make it an unappealing material to work with.
In order to make this material more appealing to design student the goal of this project is to develop an easier construction method for DIY electroluminescent panels. A method that takes less time and has a high success rate, with similar result as existing construction methods.
Through the exploration of multiple methods for constructing EL devices a solution is found.
Combining phosphor powder with UV curable adhesive creates an mixture that can cure in a matter of seconds. This mixture can be spread across a piece of vinyl, placed on an electrode and with a cut-out of the required design. When placed underneath UV light, oxygen inhibition prevents the outer layer of the mixture to cure. The second electrode can now be attached and after a final curing process the panel is ready to use.
Extensive user testing has shown that this method will take less than 15 minutes and has an high success rate.