Abstract: An apparatus for combining outputs of serially connected high frequency power sources includes a number of input ports, an output port, and a power combination structure. The power combination structure includes two outer conductive layers which extend from the input ports to the output port and one or more intermediate conductive layers which extend from the input ports to a power combination region. High frequency power from the input ports propagates to the power combination region and therein combines vectorially. The sum of the individual input power levels then propagates to the output port. The power combiner can be reversed and used as a power divider operating into serially connected loads. A preferred embodiment, including two copper clad dielectric members and an aluminum base, operates at about 915 MHz. The power combiner can be constructed in a coaxial configuration.

Abstract: A light source includes an electrodeless lamp having a generally cylindrically shaped envelope made of a light transmitting substance. A volatile fill material, enclosed within the envelope, emits light upon breakdown and excitation. A termination fixture has an outer conductor disposed around its inner conductor, both conductors having a first end which couples power to the lamp and a second end coupled to an alternating current power source. A first end of conductive means is coupled to the first end of the inner conductor, a second end of the conductive means being open-circuited. The conductive means has an electrical length whereby axial electric field maxima and minima occur thereon. The envelope is oriented centrally and axially within the conductive means so that an axial, non-toroidal arc occurs within the envelope, but does not attach to its interior walls, thereby enhancing the life of the lamp. The conductive means can be formed in a helical or spiral configuration.

Abstract: In a light source excited with power at a high frequency, an electrodeless lamp is located in a termination fixture comprising an inner and outer conductor, the lamp being located at the end of the inner conductor. An internal tuning element is located within the fixture for creating a resonant condition when the lamp is to be started to create a maximum electric field for initiating breakdown and excitation of the fill material within the lamp. The tuner may comprise a variable capacitance coupled in parallel across the conductors at the power input end of the fixture or a variable inductance connected across the conductors at the lamp end of the fixture.