US4698627A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Programmable semiconductor switch for a light influencing display and method for making same
Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices Inc
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Filing: 1984-12-10
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Granted: 1987-10-06
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Expires: 2004-12-10
Abstract
Abstract A method of forming a pixel for a liquid crystal display includes forming a pixel electrode on a substrate, depositing a continuous three layer amorphous silicon alloy structure with an intrinsic layer between two n-doped layers, depositing an opaque metal layer over the semiconductor layers and etching the top metal layer and semiconductor layers to form continuous address lines with underlying semiconductor layers and a bidirectional threshold element connected between each electrode and an adjacent overlying address line. A metal pad positioned on each electrode provides for improved conductivity with each adjacent threshold element. The threshold elements have a threshold settable by directing light through each pad, provided the pads are at least partly transmissive. A symmetrical bilateral threshold element is formed of first and second series coupled threshold elements.
Inventors
- 👤 Willem den Boer
- 👤 J. Scott Payson
- 👤 Zvi Yaniv
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 20:27
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/13; G02F1/133; G02F1/135; G02F1/1354; G02F1/136; G02F1/1362; G02F1/1365; H; H10; H10D; H10D1/00; H10D1/40; H10W; H10W20/00; H10W20/40; H10W20/49
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
65 words
A pixel for a display comprising: an insulative substrate; a pixel electrode formed on said substrate; threshold means for isolation coupled to said electrode; and a multilayer radiation blocking address line overlying said threshold means with said threshold means including means responsive to optical radiation for programming a threshold voltage at which said threshold means conducts current between said address line and said pixel electrode.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
65 words
A pixel for a display comprising: an insulative substrate; a pixel electrode formed on said substrate; threshold means for isolation coupled to said electrode; and a multilayer radiation blocking address line overlying said threshold means with said threshold means including means responsive to optical radiation for programming a threshold voltage at which said threshold means conducts current between said address line and said pixel electrode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
A pixel as defined in claim 1 wherein said substrate is transparent and said threshold means includes a surface at least partly transmissive to incident radiation with said threshold settable in response to radiant energy directed through said substrate and into said threshold means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A pixel as defined in claim 1 wherein said multilayer address line extends continuously between at least said pixel electrode and a second, spaced apart pixel electrode.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A pixel as defined in claim 3 wherein said address line includes at least a first layer formed of semiconductor material and a second overlying layer formed of a metal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A pixel as defined in claim 4 wherein said threshold element is formed from semiconductor material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A pixel as defined in claim 5 wherein said semiconductor material is deposited semiconductor material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A pixel as defined in claim 6 wherein said deposited semiconductor material is an amorphous semiconductor alloy.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
A pixel as defined in claim 7 wherein said amorphous semiconductor alloy includes silicon.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
A pixel as defined in claim 8 wherein said amorphous silicon alloy includes hydrogen.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
A pixel as defined in claim 8 wherein said amorphous silicon alloy includes fluorine.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
A pixel as defined in claim 7 wherein said electrode is formed from a transparent conductive material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
A pixel as defined in claim 11 wherein said transparent conductive material is indium tin oxide.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
40 words
A pixel as in claim 1, wherein said threshold means includes first and second bidirectional means for forming a threshold, said first and second means coupled between said pixel electrode and said address line, whereby said threshold means is bidirectional.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
A pixel as in claim 13, wherein said first and second means are coupled in series.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
A pixel as in claim 13, wherein said first and second threshold means are formed of multilayer semiconductor material.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
39 words
A pixel as in claim 15, wherein said first and second threshold means are each formed of a first doped layer of semiconductor material, an overlying layer of intrinsic semiconductor material and a second doped layer of semiconductor material.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-10-05 | 1991-04-06 | 1991-10-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-10-05 | 1995-04-06 | 1995-10-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-10-05 | 1999-04-06 | 1999-10-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |