How does an electroluminescent lamp use a phosphor to create light?

An electroluminescent lamp produces light through the direct conversion of electric energy into visible light within a phosphor, typically a specially prepared material like zinc sulfide.12

The process occurs through two primary mechanisms:

• Intrinsic Electroluminescence: An external alternating electric field accelerates electrons within the phosphor until they collide with luminescent centers, ionizing them. When these electrons recombine with the ionized atoms, they release energy in the form of photons, creating light.12
• Charge Injection: An electric current is passed through the material, often using a p–n junction or electrodes. Electrons flow into the material and lose energy as they recombine with positive holes or centers, resulting in light emission.1

In these lamps, the phosphor is often embedded in an insulating layer between two electrodes. Because the light emission in intrinsic electroluminescence can fade under a constant voltage, alternating current is used to sustain the process. Unlike incandescent lamps, this process generates light without the significant production of heat.12