Abstract: An integrated starting and running amalgam assembly for an electrodeless SEF fluorescent lamp includes a wire mesh amalgam support constructed to jointly optimize positions of a starting amalgam and a running amalgam in the lamp, thereby optimizing mercury vapor pressure in the lamp during both starting and steady-state operation in order to rapidly achieve and maintain high light output. The wire mesh amalgam support is constructed to support the starting amalgam toward one end thereof and the running amalgam toward the other end thereof, and the wire mesh is rolled for friction-fitting within the exhaust tube of the lamp. The positions of the starting and running amalgams on the wire mesh are jointly optimized such that high light output is achieved quickly and maintained, while avoiding any significant reduction in light output between starting and running operation.

Abstract: An electrodeless fluorescent lamp includes a feedthrough structure extending from the exterior to the interior of the lamp which is constructed of a suitable material, e.g., platinum or a combination of platinum and rhodium, for directly connecting an interior EMI shield to ground. The feedthrough is also suitable for supporting an amalgam flag.