Electroluminescent backlight: cold neon

Inspired by the last post about lighting the room with an LED strip, as well as topics about highlighting the system, tables and other things.

It’s clear that this is not entirely habratema, but when I saw the number of comments on such publications, I was surprised and decided that one interesting technology, in my opinion, was unfairly circumvented. It is called "cold neon." Tested in our online phosphor store .

Most use for dim lights in cars. The illuminated bicycles look interesting (+ a small power supply from two batteries - enough for a few hours of glow) or sneakers. Photos are not mine. The last photo is a power supply with two finger batteries with a connector for connecting and a coil of cold neon (5 meters).


I used this thing instead of a garland on a laptop in an office. Unfortunately, the photo is not saved. I used a USB wiring for connecting and a 5-meter piece of wire.

The principle of operation is very simple: a current-carrying wire coated with a phosphor, over which thin contact wires are wound. When current flows through the wires, a weak magnetic field is induced, which leads to the effect of electroluminescence.

The phosphor itself usually has a yellow-green glow, therefore, for a variety of colors, all this is covered on top with a "transparent-colored" PVC tube.

Why is this interesting:

• extremely low power consumption (10-15 W / m depending on thickness). Thickness usually from 0.8 to 5 mm
• can be used in rooms with high humidity
• can be found in any length - sold in coils
• practically does not heat up with prolonged glow
• there are not only wires, but also tapes and even panels

It is very simple to connect even to USB or batteries. The only thing is that the phosphor with which the wire is coated can crack if handled carelessly, so you can’t bend the wire. But even in this case, it will continue to work (a dark spot will simply appear in the damaged area).

It’s easy to solder cold neon, but I couldn’t clean it so as not to tear off the thin contact wires the first time.

PS I have several pieces of cold neon left in the zagashnik with various connection options - USB, batteries and a car module.

UPD: I have a few more materials that are related to phosphors and their application. If the community is interested in this topic, I will prepare articles for the specifics of Habr. Waiting for comments.