Abstract: A flat radiator (4), suitable for a dielectrically impeded discharge and with a discharge vessel (5) made from an electrically non-conducting material has strip-like electrodes (6, 7) arranged on the wall of the discharge vessel (5), cathodes (6) and anodes (7a) being arranged alternately next to one another, and at least the anodes being separated from the interior of the discharge vessel (5) by a dielectric material (10). In each case one additional anode (7b) is arranged between neighbouring cathodes (6), that is to say in each case one anode pair (7a, 7b) is arranged between the neighbouring cathodes (6). The result is a uniform discharge structure accompanied by optimum utilization of the discharge vessel. FIG.

Abstract: A method for producing pulsed-voltage sequences for the operation of discharge lamps (8) by means of a pulsed discharge which is impeded dielectrically provides that the pulsed-voltage sequence is composed of two partial voltage sequences in such a manner that the magnitudes of the peak values of each partial voltage sequence are less than the magnitudes of the peak values of the resultant pulsed-voltage sequence, for example half as large. This has the advantage that correspondingly less EMI is generated when the partial-voltage sequences are produced. In addition, the two partial voltage sequences contain rising flanks of opposite gradient with respect to a reference-earth potential, the two partial voltage sequences preferably being inverted with respect to one another. This provides ideal complete compensation for the electromagnetic interference (EMI) produced by the two partial voltage sequences, at least locally.

Abstract: A method of operating cold cathode in discharge lamps, including discharge lamps operating with a dielectrically hindered discharge that include two electroconducive electrodes facing each other between which a ferro-electric material is sandwiched. At least one of the electrodes presents one or more openings. When the cathode is operating, a voltage of quickly alternating polarity is applied to both electrodes, thereby freeing electrons on the surface of the ferro-electric material. The working voltage of the discharge lamp causes an acceleration of said electrons, which pass through the openings towards the anode and are used for igniting the discharge lamp and keeping it in an operating mode.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp (1) having a tubular discharge vessel (2), filled with ert gas, and a fluorescent layer (6) has elongated electrodes (3; 4; 12; 14a-14d) arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular discharge vessel (2), at least one electrode (4; 12; 14a-14d) being arranged on the inner wall of the discharge vessel (2). The tubular discharge vessel (2) is sealed in a gas-tight fashion at one or at both ends with a stopper (8) and by means of solder (9), the at least one inner wall electrode (4) being guided to the outside in a gas-tight fashion through the solder (9). Alternatively or also in addition, at least one electrode (16) is arranged inside the wall of the discharge vessel (2). Up to a maximum of the entire inside diameter can be used as striking distance, depending on the positioning of the associated counterelectrode(s). High luminous densities are achieved because of the large and, at the same time, constant striking distance along the discharge tube.

Abstract: A radiation source, in particular a discharge lamp suitable for operating a dielectrically hindered pulsed discharge by means of a ballast, has at st one electrode separated by dielectric material from the inside of the discharge vessel. By appropriately designing at least one of the electrodes and/or the dielectric material, local field reinforcement areas are created, so that during the pulsed mode of operation one or more dielectrically hindered individual discharges are generated exclusively in these areas, maximum one individual discharge being generated in each area. These areas are obtained in particular by shortening the spacing in locally limited areas, for example by providing on one of the electrodes hemispherical projections which extend towards the counter-electrode. This measure achieves a timestable discharge structure with a high useful radiation effectiveness uniformly distributed throughout the discharge vessel.

Abstract: A flat fluorescent lamp (1) has a discharge vessel (2) having a base plate (7), a top plate (8) and a frame (9) which are connected to one another in a gas-tight fashion by means of solder (10). Structures resembling conductor tracks function in the interior of the discharge vessel as electrodes (3-6), in the feedthrough region as feedthroughs, and in the external region as external supply leads (13; 14). Flat lamps of the most different sizes can thereby be produced simply in engineering terms and in a fashion capable of effective automation. Moreover, virtually any electrode shapes can be realized, in particular optimized with regard to a uniform luminous density with a reduced drop in luminous density towards the edges of the flat lamp. At least the anodes (5, 6) are covered in each case with a dielectric layer (15). The lamp (1) is preferably operated by means of a pulsed voltage source and serves as background lighting for LCDs, for example in monitors or driver information displays.

Abstract: A discharge lamp may be formed with both galvanic and dielectric electrod The relative discharges due to the currents between the differing electrodes may be adjusted to effect the optical spectrum of the radiation emitted by the lamp.

Abstract: A method to operate an incoherently emitting radiation source, in particular a discharge lamp, which transmits UV, IR or VIS radiation. The discharge is generated by means of a train of voltage pulses, interrupted by idle times, inside a discharge vessel; electrodes dielectrically impaired on one or both ends can be used. By a suitable choice of the filling, the electrode configuration, the sparking distance, the type and thickness of the dielectrics, the time-dependent voltage amplitudes, and the pulse and idle times, efficiencies in UV generation of 65% and more are attained.