Abstract: The invention is a method of irradiating at least one surface of a three-dimensional object (36, 114) with a desired ultraviolet light irradiance flux produced by an ultraviolet light source (22, 102).

Abstract: Apparatus for providing substantially two-dimensionally uniform irradiation of a relatively large planar target surface. Each of at least two substantially identical sources of radiation irradiate the target surface. The longitudinal axes of the sources of radiation are substantially parallel with each other, defining a plane substantially parallel to the target surface. Each of the sources of radiation is within a respective elongated elliptical reflecting trough and is spaced from the focal axis of the respective trough. Each trough terminates in an opening defining a rectangular plane substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the trough and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bulb.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing substantially two-dimensionally uniform irradiation of elongated three-dimensional objects while the objects are rotating and moving across the irradiator, with a high level of irradiance and with a substantially constant radiation dose on surfaces of the objects during each phase of the rotation and movement. At least one source of radiation produces radiation to irradiate the surfaces of the objects. Each of the sources of radiation is within a respective elongated elliptical reflecting trough and is spaced from the focal axis of the respective trough. Each trough terminates in an opening defining a rectangular plane substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the ellipse of the respective trough and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective radiation source. Reflectors extend from the trough substantially to the path of the objects.

Abstract: A lamp assembly in accordance with the invention includes an electrodeless bulb (14) which is symmetrical about an axis (16) and which contains a light emissive fill which emits light when the bulb is excited by a RF electrical field coupled to the fill; an electrically conductive coupler (18) comprising a plurality of turns (20) which are symmetrical about an axis of the electrically conductive coupler, the turns defining a volume (19) that at least partially contains the bulb; and a conductor (26) connected to a center portion of the electrically conductive coupler with connection of the conductor to the electrically conductive coupler providing a fixing of the coupler relative to the bulb which, when the conductor is connected to a source of RF electrical potential, conducts a RF current producing a RF electrical potential on the electrically conductive coupler that produces the RF electrical field coupled to the light emissive fill.

Abstract: A lamp assembly in accordance with the invention includes an electrodeless bulb (14) which is symmetrical about an axis (16) and which contains a light emissive fill which emits light when the bulb is excited by a RF electrical field coupled to the fill; an electrically conductive coupler (18) comprising a plurality of turns (20) which are symmetrical about an axis of the electrically conductive coupler, the turns defining a volume (19) that at least partially contains the bulb; and a conductor (26) connected to a center portion of the electrically conductive coupler with connection of the conductor to the electrically conductive coupler providing a fixing of the coupler relative to the bulb which, when the conductor is connected to a source of RF electrical potential, conducts a RF current producing a RF electrical potential on the electrically conductive coupler that produces the RF electrical field coupled to the light emissive fill.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for treating a fluid. The apparatus includes a fluid passageway, at least one source of irradiation, and curved reflecting troughs for reflecting irradiation onto the fluid passageway. A space is defined between the closed ends of the troughs. A first set of reflectors joins end edges of the trough open ends, and a second set of reflectors joins the top and bottom edges of the troughs and the first set of reflectors. The reflectors and troughs define a chamber. The fluid passageway and the at least one source of irradiation are positioned in the chamber, with each source of irradiation within a respective trough. At least one of the fluid passageway and the at least one source of irradiation is spaced from any focal axes so as to provide a substantially uniform irradiation distribution within the fluid in the fluid passageway.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing substantially two-dimensionally uniform irradiation of a relatively large planar target surface. Each of at least two substantially identical sources of radiation irradiate the target surface. The longitudinal axes of the sources of radiation are substantially parallel with each other, defining a plane substantially parallel to the target surface. Each of the sources of radiation is within a respective elongated elliptical reflecting trough and is spaced from the focal axis of the respective trough. Each trough terminates in an opening defining a rectangular plane substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the trough and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bulb.

Abstract: Apparatus and method providing substantially two-dimensionally uniform irradiation of a planar target surface. An irradiation source is within an elliptical reflecting trough, on the major axis of the trough, and spaced from the focal axes of the trough. Edges of the trough define a first plane substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the trough. Reflectors extend substantially equal distances from the longitudinal edges and the ends of the trough to define a target surface plane substantially parallel with the first plane. A translucent reflector is a positioned on the major axis of the trough, outside the trough. The translucent reflector has a first planar portion lying in a plane substantially parallel with the target surface plane, and second and third planar portions extending from the edges of the first planar portion and angled toward the target surface plane.

Abstract: A discharge lamp bulb includes a light transmissive envelope and at least one conductive fiber disposed on a wall of the envelope, where the fiber has a thickness of less than 100 microns. The lamp may be either electrodeless or may include internal electrodes. Suitable materials for the fiber(s) include but are not limited to carbon, silicon carbide, aluminum, tantalum, molybdenum, platinum, and tungsten. Silicon carbide whiskers and platinum coated silicon carbide fibers may also be used. The fiber(s) may be aligned with the electrical field, at least during starting. The lamp preferably further includes a protective material covering the fiber(s). For example the protective material may be a sol gel deposited silica coating. Noble gases inside the bulb at pressures in excess of 300 Torr can be reliably ignited at applied electric field strengths of less than 4×105 V/m. Over 2000 Torr xenon, krypton, and argon respectively achieve breakdown with an applied field of less than 3×105 V/m.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of treating a volume of fluid. The apparatus includes a fluid passageway through which the fluid flows, at least one source of irradiation, external to the fluid passageway, and at least two elongated elliptical reflecting troughs for reflecting irradiation from the at least one source of irradiation onto the fluid passageway. Open ends of the troughs face each other to define a space between the closed ends of the troughs. The fluid passageway and the at least one source of irradiation are positioned in the space, with each source of irradiation within a respective one of the at least two troughs. At least one of the fluid passageway and the at least one source of irradiation is spaced from the focal axes so as to provide a substantially uniform irradiation distribution within the fluid in the fluid passageway.

Abstract: The invention is a microwave excited light source. A microwave excited light source in accordance with the invention includes a microwave source (100) which produces microwaves; a microwave excited light bulb (106), coupled to the microwave source, which produces an output spectrum 108 and operates within a first temperature range when producing the output spectrum with at least one frequency range of the output spectrum having a power level below a desired level; and an optical component (20, 40, 60, 70, 110, 116 and 118), spaced from the light bulb which operates in a second temperature range below the first temperature range, having at least one phosphor (112) which is excited by another frequency range of the output spectrum, the at least one phosphor in response to the another frequency range outputs light in the at least one portion which increases the power level to the desired level.

Abstract: The invention is a microwave excited light source. A microwave excited light source in accordance with the invention includes a microwave source (100) which produces microwaves; a microwave excited light bulb (106), coupled to the microwave source, which produces an output spectrum 108 and operates within a first temperature range when producing the output spectrum with at least one frequency range of the output spectrum having a power level below a desired level; and an optical component (20, 40, 60, 70, 110, 116 and 118), spaced from the light bulb which operates in a second temperature range below the first temperature range, having at least one phosphor (112) which is excited by another frequency range of the output spectrum, the at least one phosphor in response to the another frequency range outputs light in the at least one portion which increases the power level to the desired level.

Abstract: A discharge lamp bulb includes a light transmissive envelope and at least one conductive fiber disposed on a wall of the envelope, where the fiber has a thickness of less than 100 microns. The lamp may be either electrodeless or may include internal electrodes. Suitable materials for the fiber(s) include but are not limited to carbon, silicon carbide, aluminum, tantalum, molybdenum, platinum, and tungsten. Silicon carbide whiskers and platinum coated silicon carbide fibers may also be used. The fiber(s) may be aligned with the electrical field, at least during starting. The lamp preferably further includes a protective material covering the fiber(s). For example the protective material may be a sol gel deposited silica coating. Noble gases inside the bulb at pressures in excess of 300 Torr can be reliably ignited at applied electric field strengths of less than 4×105 V/m. Over 2000 Torr xenon, krypton, and argon respectively achieve breakdown with an applied field of less than 3×105 V/m.

Abstract: A high pressure lamp bulb adapted to simultaneously emit distinct emission spectra of a desired wavelength, the lamp bulb comprising an envelope for containing a fill material under pressure and a fill material, the fill material including a material capable of forming at least two dissimilar excimer species in an amount to provide a total fill pressure no less than about 750 Torr at room temperature.

Abstract: An electrodeless lamp comprises an envelope containing a fill and a substance for facilitating the starting of the lamp. An outer tube is secured to an outside portion of the envelope in proximity to the given region and an inner tube is disposed within the outer tube such that a fluid passageway is defined between an inner surface of the outer tube and an outer surface of the inner tube. A hollow retractable electrode is provided within the inner tube, the electrode having a first position in which its tip portion is in proximity to the given region of the envelope when the lamp is being started and a second position in which the tip portion is away from the envelope after the lamp is started. A source of cooling fluid is operably connected to the hollow electrode such that the cooling fluid is forced through the hollow electrode and exhausted through the fluid passageway.

Abstract: An electrodeless lamp comprises an envelope containing a fill; a starting electrode in proximity to a given region of the envelope when lamp is started; a field emission source disposed inside the envelope at the given region; starting power source coupled to the electrode for applying an electric field to the field emission source to cause a discharge; and excitation power source coupled to the fill to sustain the discharge. A method for starting an electrodeless lamp is also disclosed, comprising the steps of providing bulb comprised of an envelope and a discharge forming fill in the envelope; providing a field emission source on an interior surface of the envelope at a given region; applying an electric field at the given region to cause field emission from the field emission source to cause a discharge; and coupling a power source to the fill to sustain the discharge.