Abstract: A discharge device for operation in a gas at a prescribed pressure includes a cathode having a plurality of micro hollows therein, and an anode spaced from the cathode. Each of the micro hollows has dimensions selected to produce a micro hollow discharge at the prescribed pressure. Preferably, each of the micro hollows has a cross-sectional dimension that is on the order of the mean free path of electrons in the gas. Electrical energy is coupled to the cathode and the anode at a voltage and current for producing micro hollow discharges in each of the micro hollows in the cathode. The discharge device may include a discharge chamber for maintaining the prescribed pressure. A dielectric layer may be disposed on the cathode when the spacing between the cathode and the anode is greater than about the mean free path of electrons in the gas. Applications of the discharge device include fluorescent lamps, excimer lamps, flat fluorescent light sources, miniature gas lasers, electron sources and ion sources.

Abstract: A discharge device for operation in a gas at a prescribed pressure includes a cathode having a plurality of micro hollows therein, and an anode spaced from the cathode. Each of the micro hollows has dimensions selected to produce a micro hollow discharge at the prescribed pressure. Preferably, each of the micro hollows has a cross-sectional dimension that is on the order of the mean free path of electrons in the gas. Electrical energy is coupled to the cathode and the anode at a voltage and current for producing micro hollow discharges in each of the micro hollows in the cathode. The discharge device may include a discharge chamber for maintaining the prescribed pressure. A dielectric layer may be disposed on the cathode when the spacing between the cathode and the anode is greater than about the mean free path of electrons in the gas. Applications of the discharge device include fluorescent lamps, excimer lamps, flat fluorescent light sources, miniature gas lasers, electron sources and ion sources.

Abstract: A discharge device for operation in a gas at a prescribed pressure includes a cathode having a plurality of micro hollows therein, and an anode spaced from the cathode. Each of the micro hollows has dimensions selected to produce a micro hollow discharge at the prescribed pressure. Preferably, each of the micro hollows has a cross-sectional dimension that is on the order of the mean free path of electrons in the gas. Electrical energy is coupled to the cathode and the anode at a voltage and current for producing micro hollow discharges in each of the micro hollows in the cathode. The discharge device may include a discharge chamber for maintaining the prescribed pressure. A dielectric layer may be disposed on the cathode when the spacing between the cathode and the anode is greater than about the mean free path of electrons in the gas. Applications of the discharge device include fluorescent lamps, excimer lamps, flat fluorescent light sources, miniature gas lasers, electron sources and ion sources.

Abstract: A discharge device for operation in a gas at a prescribed pressure includes a cathode having a plurality of micro hollows therein, and an anode spaced from the cathode. Each of the micro hollows has dimensions selected to produce a micro hollow discharge at the prescribed pressure. Preferably, each of the micro hollows has a cross-sectional dimension that is on the order of the mean free path of electrons in the gas. Electrical energy is coupled to the cathode and the anode at a voltage and current for producing micro hollow discharges in each of the micro hollows in the cathode. The discharge device may include a discharge chamber for maintaining the prescribed pressure. A dielectric layer may be disposed on the cathode when the spacing between the cathode and the anode is greater than about the mean free path of electrons in the gas. Applications of the discharge device include fluorescent lamps, excimer lamps, flat fluorescent light sources, miniature gas lasers, electron sources and ion sources.

Abstract: A discharge device for operation in a gas at a prescribed pressure includes a cathode having a plurality of micro hollows therein, and an anode spaced from the cathode. Each of the micro hollows has dimensions selected to produce a micro hollow discharge at the prescribed pressure. Preferably, each of the micro hollows has a cross-sectional dimension that is on the order of the mean free path of electrons in the gas. Electrical energy is coupled to the cathode and the anode at a voltage and current for producing micro hollow discharges in each of the micro hollows in the cathode. The discharge device may include a discharge chamber for maintaining the prescribed pressure. A dielectric layer may be disposed on the cathode when the spacing between the cathode and the anode is greater than about the mean free path of electrons in the gas. Applications of the discharge device include fluorescent lamps, excimer lamps, flat fluorescent light sources, miniature gas lasers, electron sources and ion sources.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating an arc discharge lamp which can be hot restarted is described. The method involves providing low microwave power after the lamp ballast is disconnected from the lamp. The microwave power is modulated such that conductivity is maintained within the lamp as the lamp cools. Restarting the lamp is accomplished by reconnecting the ballast at any time. In one embodiment, the apparatus of the invention includes an arc discharge lamp and ballast coupled together with a switch to turn the lamp on and off. A microwave power supply is connected in parallel with the ballast and is coupled to the lamp when the ballast is shut off. The invention allows for hot restart of the arc lamp without requiring a high voltage pulse.

Abstract: A discharge device for operation in a gas at a prescribed pressure includes a cathode having a plurality of micro hollows therein, and an anode spaced from the cathode. Each of the micro hollows has dimensions selected to produce a micro hollow discharge at the prescribed pressure. Preferably, each of the micro hollows has a cross-sectional dimension that is on the order of the mean free path of electrons in the gas. Electrical energy is coupled to the cathode and the anode at a voltage and current for producing micro hollow discharges in each of the micro hollows in the cathode. The discharge device may include a discharge chamber for maintaining the prescribed pressure. A dielectric layer may be disposed on the cathode when the spacing between the cathode and the anode is greater than about the mean free path of electrons in the gas. Applications of the discharge device include fluorescent lamps, excimer lamps, flat fluorescent light sources, miniature gas lasers, electron sources and ion sources.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a capacitor is placed in series with the ballast and the lamp. The capacitor lowers the impedance during lamp starting and is shorted out when final arc conditions of the lamp are reached. Method and device for improvement of lumen maintenance of high intensity discharge lamps through minimizing the wall blackening during lamp starting is disclosed. Reducing the electrode material sputtering during the thermionic arc phase of the lamp starting process was achieved by decreasing the cathode fall voltage. The cathode fall voltage in these lamps was decreased by increasing the current flowing through during the starting phase. The increase of starting current was achieved by increasing the open circuit voltage or by decreasing ballast impedance.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a capacitor is placed in series with the ballast and the lamp. The capacitor lowers the impedance during lamp starting and is shorted out when final arc conditions of the lamp are reached. Method and device for improvement of lumen maintenance of high intensity discharge lamps through minimizing the wall blackening during lamp starting is disclosed. Reducing the electrode material sputtering during the thermionic arc phase of the lamp starting process was achieved by decreasing the cathode fall voltage. The cathode fall voltage in these lamps was decreased by increasing the current flowing through during the starting phase. The increase of starting current was achieved by increasing the open circuit voltage or by decreasing ballast impedance.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for determining the condensate location within an HID lamp. The method involves monitoring current and voltage waveforms during the glow phase of lamp starting. If the voltage drop during the glow phase is low with a corresponding high current, then the volatile component of the lamp fill has condensed on the electrodes during the previous cool down period. If the voltage drop is high and current is low then most of the condensate has localized on the arc tube wall. An automated detection apparatus is used to carry out the measurements to determine condensate location.

Abstract: Ignition of high intensity discharge (HID) lamps can be enhanced by the application of ultrahigh frequency (UHF) electric fields at modest power levels. The implementation of UHF power assisted starting offers considerable advantage over known prior art lower frequency power starting methods. Solid state circuits and coupled means can be utilized as described therein.

Abstract: A beam mode discharge lamp typically has a shortcoming in that emitted light is reduced due to the deposition of cathode material on the phosphor surface. Such deposition can be reduced through the addition of a conductive mesh about the filaments to entrap cathode material and inhibit same from attacking the phosphor material.

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 beam mode lamp has two discharge electrodes which alternately function as anode and cathode. One or more modifying electrodes are located between the discharge electrodes. Each modifying electrode is kept equal to or negative with respect to the cathode, raising the operating voltage of the lamp from a normal 20 volts to line voltage.

Abstract: The lamp shown herein is a beam mode fluorescent lamp for general lighting applications. The lamp comprises a light transmitting envelope, having a phosphor coating on its inner surface, enclosing a thermionic cathode for emitting electrons, a pair of anodes for accelerating the electrons and forming electron beams, and a fill material, such as mercury, which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation. The two anode configuration provides an extended region of electron beam excitation. In addition, a separate cathode heater filament is not required due to the anode configuration. As a result this lamp is operated with a single power source and only two conductors connecting the power source to the electrodes. This invention further provides a high degree of self-stabilization of discharge current by means of the twin parallel anode configuration.

Abstract: The lamp shown herein is a beam mode fluorescent lamp for general lighting applications. The lamp comprises a light transmitting envelope, having a phosphor coating in its inner surface, the envelope encloses a thermionic cathode having a number of segments for emitting electrons, a plurality of anodes for accelerating the electrons and forming a corresponding number of electron beams simultaneously in two directions, and a fill material, such as mercury, which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation. The multi-electrode array configuration provides an extended region of electron beam excitation and thereby more visible light. A single power source and pair of connecting conductors provide both cathode heating current and electrode potential difference functions. In addition, this configuration provides for a greater and more complete discharge of the volume within the envelope than single electrode elements.

Abstract: The lamp shown herein is a beam mode fluorescent lamp for general lighting applications. The lamp comprises a light transmitting envelope, having a phosphor coating on its inner surface, enclosing a single electrode including a thermionic cathode for emitting electrons and an integral anode for accelerating the electrons and forming an electron beam, and a fill material, such as mercury, which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation. The electrode configuration provides for use of a single power source and minimal number of power leads. In addition, a separate cathode heater filament is not required.

Abstract: The lamp shown herein is a beam mode fluorescent lamp for general lighting applications. The lamp comprises a light transmitting envelope, having a phosphor coating on its inner surface, the envelope encloses a thermionic cathode having a number of segments for emitting electrons, a plurality of anodes for accelerating the electrons and forming a corresponding number of electron beams, and a fill material, such as mercury, which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation. The multi-electrode array configuration provides an extended region of electron beam excitation and thereby more visible light. A single power source and pair of connecting conductors perform both cathode heating current and electrode potential difference functions. In addition, this configuration provides for a greater and more complete discharge of the volume within the envelope than single electrode elements. The present invention permits a higher operating voltage, lower power density and a lower operating temperature for the lamp.

Abstract: The lamp shown herein is a beam mode fluorescent lamp for general lighting applications. The lamp comprises a light transmitting envelope, having a phosphor coating on its inner surface, enclosing a thermionic cathode for emitting electrons and an anode for accelerating the electrons and forming an electron beam, and a fill material, such as mercury, which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation. The cathode configuration provides for the elimination of "hot spots" due to ion bombardment at the low potential end of the cathode and for higher overall cathode emission of electrons. Various methods are employed to accomplish these ends, such as: segmenting the cathode, pitch variation of the cathode winding; ion probes and a non-uniform primary coil wound around a larger mandrel wire.