Patent ID: 7250729

Claim:
An electroluminescence device, comprising: a silicon substrate having a first surface and a second surface; an ohmic contact on the first surface of the silicon substrate; spark-processed silicon on the second surface of the silicon substrate, wherein the spark-processed silicon on the second surface of the silicon substrate is produced by: applying to the second surface of the silicon substrate sparks of sufficiently high voltage to effect the production of spark-processed silicon, wherein applying to the second surface of the silicon substrate sparks of sufficiently high voltage to effect the production of spark-processed silicon creates a spark plasma; and introducing into the spark plasma a volatile liquid in which particles are suspended; a semitransparent film of an electrically conducting material on the surface of the spark-processed silicon; and a means for applying a voltage between the ohmic contact and the semitransparent film, wherein the semitransparent film is negatively biased with respect the ohmic contact, wherein light is emitted from the spark-processed silicon and passes through the semitransparent film upon application of a sufficient voltage between the ohmic contact and the semitransparent film.