Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the generation of a plasma through electric discharge in a discharge space which contains at least two electrodes, at least one of which is constructed from a matrix material or carrier material, such that an erosion-susceptible region with an evaporation spot is formed at least by the current flow. To present a method or a device for the generation of a plasma by electric discharge, it is suggested that a sacrificial substrate (38) is provided at least at the evaporation spot, the boiling point of said lying below the melting point of the carrier material (30), such that charge carriers arising in the current flow are mainly generated from the sacrificial substrate (38).

Abstract: A lens plate integrator includes first and second lens plates which transmit light from a light source on an optical path to a projection plane. Each lens plate includes corresponding first and second groups of lens elements; light from the first group of the second plate is focused on a projection face in the projection plane, while light from the second group of the second plate is focused in front of or behind the projection plane and only partially illuminates the projection face.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dimming circuit arrangement for operating a high-pressure sodium lamp L with controllable color temperature. The lamp is supplied with current pulses having a controllable duty cycle D. A change in the color temperature can be achieved through a change .DELTA.D in the duty cycle D and a simultaneous change .DELTA.P in the power supplied to the lamp, while the relation .DELTA.D/.DELTA.P>0 is satisfied.