Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing the reliability of an arc discharge occurring in metal halide gas discharge lamps by providing UV radiation in the gas discharge path.

Abstract: A multipulse starting aid for a high-intensity discharge lamp includes a spiral line, a bi-directional solid-state switch, or a spark gap, coupled to one of the ends of the spiral line, a resistance in association with the spiral line to provide an RC time constant. The time constant RC is so adjusted that, upon receiving the alternating current voltage from the appropriate source, a waveform of voltage is presented across the pair of terminals of the lamp, together with the series of pulses at the peak of each half cycle of the waveform. thereby enhancing the lamp startability.

Abstract: A light source including a spiral line pulse generator having an output coupled to one electrode of a high pressure discharge lamp and having an input for coupling to a source of lamp operating power for providing high voltage lamp starting pulses. The pulse generator includes, in addition to a spiral line circuit, a solid state electronic switch for discharging the spiral line pulse generator and a ballast capacitor connected in series with the solid state switch. The spiral line pulse generator preferably has a magnetic core associated therewith for increasing the spiral line inductance.

Abstract: A starter circuit for metal halide discharge lamps in which a diode resistor rectifier network is provided between a conventional ballast and a spiral line generator to superimpose a D.C. voltage on the A.C. ballast voltage thereby to increase the peak instantaneous voltage to the spiral line generators and thus provide a larger breakdown voltage to the discharge lamp.

Abstract: A starter circuit for metal halide discharge lamps in which a pair of spiral line generators are coupled between the source of lamp operating power and the electrodes of the high intensity discharge lamp. The spiral line generators are connected across the electrodes, in accordance with the invention, in a manner such that the high voltage short duration pulses from the spiral line generators are substantially additive across the discharge lamp electrodes, thus, in effect, substantially doubling the breakdown voltage available across the discharge lamp electrodes.

Abstract: A spiral line voltage pulse generator includes a double arm spiral structure about which is wound an elongated conductor. The double arm structure includes two conductive strips which are electrically insulated so as to hold a charge. Upon discharge, electromagnetic force is coupled to the elongated conductor which functions as a secondary winding increasing the voltage which would be generated by the double arm structure alone. The elongated conductor may, for example, be a continuation of one of the conductor strips or a wire solenoid.

Abstract: An electromagnetic discharge apparatus including an electrodeless lamp containing a fill material which emits light when subjected to a high frequency electric field. The lamp envelope is generally cylindrical. Power is coupled to the contents of the lamp by electrodes which encircle each end of the envelope and are spaced apart in the central region of the envelope to provide a capacitive gap between them. An inner coaxial conductor is connected to one of the electrodes and an outer conductor is connected to the other electrode by way of a conductive shielding member which encircles the lamp and the electrodes. A heating arrangement may be provided to maintain the temperature and thus the pressure of the fill material within the envelope constant.

Abstract: An electromagnetic discharge apparatus including an electrodeless lamp containing a fill material which emit light when subjected to a high frequency electric field. Power is coupled to the contents of the lamp by a coupling fixture having an outer conductor of conductive mesh and an inner conductor. The electrodeless lamp is mounted between two electrodes, one from the inner conductor and one from the outer conductor which terminate closely adjacent to opposite outer surfaces of the electrodeless lamp.

Abstract: A light source wherein a spiral line pulse generator, having an output coupled to one electrode of a metal halide discharge lamp and an input for coupling to a source of lamp operating power, provides high voltage, short duration lamp starting pulses. The spiral line pulse generator includes two conductors and two insulators, each in the form of an elongated sheet, in an alternating arrangement which is rolled together in a spiral configuration having a plurality of turns. The high voltage, short duration pulse is provided upon closure of a low inductance switch coupled between the conductors. A thermal switch can be utilized to bypass the spiral line pulse generator after lamp starting. The spiral line pulse generator can be enclosed within the lamp base of the light source.

Abstract: A high pressure sodium lamp, which includes a discharge tube enclosing xenon at pressures in excess of 300 torr, is reliably started by the combination of an igniter, a conductor wrapped around the discharge tube, and a switching circuit. The igniter provides periodic pulses of 2500 to 4000 volts with a duration of at least one microsecond. The switching circuit provides a high voltage pulse having an amplitude about equal to the amplitude of the periodic pulses and a duration much greater than the duration of the periodic pulses. The conductor intensifies the electric field within the discharge tube. A conventional lamp ballast provides ac power during starting and normal operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for starting high intensity discharge lamps utilizing a spiral line pulse generator to generate high voltage, short duration starting pulses. The spiral line pulse generator includes two conductors and two insulators, each in the form of an elongated sheet, in an alternating arrangement which is rolled together in a spiral configuration having a plurality of turns. A high voltage, short duration pulse is provided upon closure of a low inductance switch coupled between the conductors. The pulse is coupled to the discharge lamp by an elongated conductor located in close proximity to the discharge tube. The spiral line pulse generator can be included within the outer jacket of the light source.

Abstract: A light activated solid state microwave generator capable of providing radio frequency pulse bursts includes a plurality of optoelectronic switches arranged on a common substrate for simultaneous activation thereof and a plurality of distributed transmission lines connected in series and properly terminated by the switches upon activation by light.

Abstract: A radio frequency pulse generator capable of providing high energy pulses having an in-line construction includes an annularly shaped spark gap. The input voltage is connected to the resonant element through a central aperture provided in the spark gap rings for high efficiency operation.