The Indiglo Watch - How Do They Do That?

Electroluminescence is the process by which electricity is directly converted into light. This just happens to be the technology behind the inner workings of the Indiglo watch. It’s important to keep in mind that the process of electroluminescence is not the same process by which an incandescent light bulb (a standard light bulb) works. Incandescent bulbs work because electricity produces heat. The buildup of heat then produces the light emitted from the bulb.
Electroluminescence, some believe, is more efficient than incandescent light. The reason for this is because in an electroluminescent situation, electricity is turned directly into light — basically eliminating the middleman, the heat. Because electricity is turned directly into light, the problems associated with excess heat are eliminated. Bulbs don’t burn out from heat overload, and there’s far less possibility of danger from sparks or fire.

We commonly see the use of electroluminescent technology in the neon light. We’ve all seen neon lights. They hang in the windows of businesses all over the country. They are more energy-efficient, and produce less heat. Aside from that they can be designed with a wider variety of color. It was from the neon light that inspired the Indiglo watch. In the Indiglo watch an extremely thin panel utilizes selectors at a high voltage level to energize phosphoric atoms. These phosphoric atoms then produce the light we see in the watch panel.

The Indiglo watch panel construction is fairly simplistic. It a thin sheet of glass or plastic that has been coated with a translucent conductor. The translucent conductor is coated with a thin layer of phosphor. The phosphor has been coated with another piece of thin plastic and an electrode is added. In short, the Indiglo watch is made up of two conductors with phosphoric atoms in between. When alternating electrical currents of 100 to 200 volts are applied to the conductors, the phosphor is energized and photons are emitted… and voilà — the Indiglo light!

The Indiglo watch is a magnificent piece of technology. Aside from being applied to practical uses such as reading your watch in the dark, electroluminescence can extend to many other areas. If you’re considering the purchase of a high-tech gadget for someone you love this holiday season, consider purchasing an Indiglo watch. Not only will they enjoy and appreciate the gift, but now you can tell them exactly how it works!