The Light-Emitting-Switch Integrated-Circuit Display

A semiconductor display device utilizing arrays of light-emitting devices with inherent memory has been developed. The central element is a p-i-n device that exhibits current-controlled negative resistance and emits light in the high-conductance state. This light-emitting and switching device has been employed in a monolithic integrated circuit that permits the logic function in addition to the opticaf output function to be perfomed on the display surface. The circuit has been developed in a configuration that permits matrix address. This paper discusses the basic light-emitting switch and its utilization as a matrix display device and describes the development of an integrated structure employing the light-emitting switch and its incorporation into a complete display system. Modifications and improvements of the matrix display system based on this concept are also discussed.