Abstract: An optical illuminating system is adapted to receive and scatter light from a primary light source, such as the sun. The optical illuminating system includes a light input device adapted for receiving the light from the primary light source, a light output device, and a light transmission device that is coupled optically to the light input device and the light output device for transmitting the light received by the light input device to the light output device by total reflection. The light output device scatters the light received from the light transmission device for output.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp device includes a transparent sealed container which is filled with a working gas, an electron emitting unit which extends into the container and which is operable to emit electrons that interact with the working gas to generate short-wave ultraviolet energy, and a light emitting member which is disposed in the container and which is made of an insulator material. The light emitting member has an external surface coated with a layer of fluorescent material that converts the ultraviolet energy into visible light.