ELECTROLUMINESCENT DEVICE

A method of operating an alternating current (AC) excited thin film electroluminensence (ACTEL) device which improves the memory effect and brightness thereof is described. A typical ACTEL device has a thin luminescent layer made of ZnS thin film doped with Mn which is sandwiched between two dielectric layers. ACTEL devices exhibit a brightness versus voltage amplitude hysteresis loop which is commonly referred to as the memory effect. The application of a hybrid AC excitation waveform to the ACTEL device such as that shown in the Figure provides increased brightness and improved memory effect stability. The hybrid waveform has an initial portion 12A that is sufficiently high for efficient carrier generation and a remaining waveform portion 14A that is at a lower level than the initial portion for charge collection and holding purposes.