Abstract: A quantum interference device includes: an atomic cell in which alkali metal is sealed; a light source that emits light that excites the alkali metal; a light source temperature adjuster that adjusts temperature of the light source; a light receiver that receives light transmitted through the atomic cell and outputs an output signal in accordance with a light reception intensity; a detector that outputs an output signal in accordance with a chronological change in an amount of the light transmitted through the atomic cell based on the output signal of the light receiver; and a light source temperature controller that controls driving of the light source temperature adjuster based on the output signal of the detector.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a chip scale atomic sensor is provided. The chip scale atomic sensor includes a body that defines at least one sensing chamber. The body includes a thermal isolation die mounted to the body. The thermal isolation die is disposed in a location that communicates with the at least one sensing chamber. The thermal isolation die includes a substrate defining a frame portion and an isolated portion and a plurality of tethers mechanically coupling the isolated portion of the substrate to the frame portion. The thermal isolation die also includes an atomic source mounted on the isolated portion of the substrate, and a heating element mounted on the isolated portion and configured to heat the atomic source.

Abstract: A electrodeless lamp including a fluorescent discharge vessel, a tip, an amalgam, a lamp core, and a heater. The vessel contains a gas having a partial vapor pressure and a fluorescent material. The tip has an inner end engaging the vessel, and an opening in communication with the gas. The amalgam is positioned within the opening, in heat transfer relation with the tip. When the temperature of the amalgam decreases, mercury vapor in the gas condensates onto the amalgam, causing a decrease in the partial vapor pressure of the gas. The opposite occurs when the amalgam temperature increases. The lamp core generates a magnetic flux, causing an electrical discharge in the gas. The heater includes a positive temperature coefficient connected to a winding of the lamp core. The heater is in heat transfer relation with the tip and heats the tip when the electrodeless lamp is in a dimming mode.

Abstract: A support for filiform elements containing an active material in form of powders is described, comprising anchoring means of the support and blocking means for the filiform element, a method for manufacturing said support and lamps wherein said supports are employed.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp includes a discharge tube such as a spiral discharge tube having a wall forming a discharge chamber between cathodes at first and second ends thereof. At least one auxiliary amalgam assembly is disposed in the discharge chamber at an intermediate region disposed between the first and second ends. The auxiliary amalgam assembly is secured at a location spaced from the inner wall of the discharge chamber.

Abstract: A discharge lamp comprising a holed metallic structure that serves as a support for an amalgam Bi—In—X—Hg, a method for controlling pressure of mercury within discharge lamps and a process for manufacturing of the lamps are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lamp system comprising a low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp having a discharge vessel (6) enclosing a discharge space (8), with two electrodes (10, 30) positioned in the discharge vessel and an amalgam (18) arranged at a first end section (28) outside the discharge path between the first electrode and the second electrode. A ballast generates an electrical discharge current independently of an electrical heating current. A heating element (22) is positioned in the first end section for heating the amalgam using the electrical heating current. The temperature of the amalgam can be kept within its optimal temperature range for a relatively broad range of operating conditions.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp is provided with a discharge vessel which encloses a discharge space including a filling of mercury and a rare gas in a gastight manner. The discharge vessel further includes an amalgam which communicates with the discharge space. The lamp has a discharge device for maintaining an electric discharge in the discharge vessel. The amalgam includes a bismuth-tin-indium compound having a bismuth (Bi) content in the range between 30?Bi?70 wt. %, a tin (Sn) content in the range between 25?Sn?67 wt. %, and an indium (In) content in the range between 3?In ?5 wt. %.

Abstract: An auxiliary amalgam is contained in a light-emitting tube. The auxiliary amalgam has a base, a metal layer provided on the base, and a diffusion-inhibiting layer provided between the base and the metal layer.

Abstract: Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp comprises a light-transmitting discharge vessel (10) enclosing, in a gastight manner, a discharge space (13) provided with a filling of mercury and a rare gas. The discharge vessel comprises discharge means (20a; 20b) for maintaining a discharge in the discharge space. The discharge vessel is provided with a container comprising an amalgam (2). The container is provided with releasing means (4) for the controlled release of mercury vapor from the amalgam. The releasing means is open during lamp operation and is substantially closed when, during lamp operation, the temperature of the amalgam becomes higher than a pre-determined temperature. Preferably, the pre-determined temperature corresponds to a temperature of a range of temperatures at which the mercury-vapor pressure above the amalgam is relatively stable.

Abstract: A germicidal lamp having amalgam for controlling mercury vapor pressure contained in a location facilitating efficient high output operation. A low pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp has an amalgam container containing an amalgam positioned behind an electrode out of the arc path or space. The amalgam position is retained during high wall loading of the lamp preventing the amalgam from moving out of position. Efficient operation with high current loads and resulting high wall loading and temperatures is possible. The germicidal lamp is particularly suited to being positioned vertically in a waste water treatment system.

Abstract: A light source with a heatable filament (1) or an electrode, with the filament or the electrode being arranged in a bulb (2) or in a tube, is provided with an improved service life by the provision of a depot (3) with at least one chemical element that is also present in the filament or the electrode, and which is associated with the filament or the electrode such that the element is supplied to the filament or the electrode. Furthermore, a method is described for regenerating a light source with a heatable filament (1) or an electrode, with the filament or the electrode being arranged in a bulb (2) or in a tube. By the method, the depot (3) is associated in a first step to the filament or the electrode, with the depot comprising at least one chemical element that is also present in the filament or the electrode. Finally, the element is supplied to the filament or the electrode.

Abstract: Method for introducing a limited amount of mercury into a fluorescent lamp during manufacture thereof includes the steps of forming the lamp with an exhaust tubulation therein open at an end thereof, exhausting the interior of the lamp through the exhaust tubulation, placing a body of metal material not reactive with mercury in the exhaust tubulation open end, the body having a coating of metal which amalgams with mercury, over a selected surface area of the body, and having mercury on the coated area of the body, such that a limited amount of the mercury is retained by the metal coating, and sealing the open end of the exhaust tubulation, whereby the amount of mercury retained on the body and introduced into the lamp is limited by the surface area of the metal coating on the body.

Abstract: Method for introducing a limited amount of mercury into a fluorescent lamp during manufacture thereof includes the steps of forming the lamp with an exhaust tubulation therein open at an end thereof and provided with a ball retention structure, exhausting the interior of the lamp through the tubulation open end, placing a rigid ball of inert material in the tubulation between the ball retention structure and the tubulation open end, the ball having a coating of a selected one of silver, gold, and indium, of a selected mass over a selected surface area of the ball, and mercury on the coated area, and sealing the open end of the tubulation, whereby the amount of mercury retained on the ball and thereby introduced into the lamp is limited by the selected mass of the coating on the ball.

Abstract: Cesium dispensers are produced based on the use of a mixture of at least one reducing agent and at least one cesium compound selected among molybdate, tungstate, niobate, tantalate, silicate and zirconate. The cesium dispensers are useful in the production of OLED-type screens.

Abstract: A mercury capsule for use in a fluorescent lamp comprises a shell defining a chamber and a bore extending through the shell. A body of mercury is disposed in the chamber. A plug is disposed in the bore to seal the bore. The plug exhibits a melting point reached in manufacture of the fluorescent lamp, to melt from the bore to open an exit passageway for the mercury. A method for making the capsule is provided.

Abstract: A high pressure sodium vapour lamp having a fill consisting of sodium, mercury and xenon in an arc tube with a sodium weight portion within the sodium-mercury-amalgam of approx. 12% to approx. 20%, having a xenon filling pressure in the cold state between approx. 180 Torr and approx. 350 Torr, having a D-line reversal width (distance of the tops of both wings of the sodium-D-line of the radiation spectrum) of approx. 110 Å to approx. 200 Å, and having approx. 14% to approx. 18% radiation portion in the red wave length range 635 nm to 750 nm and having approx. 7% to approx. 10% radiation portion in the blue wave length range 380 nm to 500 nm, in each case of the radiation power in the wave length range 380 nm to 780 nm for promotion of plant growth is provided.

Abstract: A small fluorescent discharge tube and a bulb-shaped fluorescent lamp using the same with improved rise characteristics with respect to luminous flux in the case of a relatively short non-operation time of one to six hours after a stop of operation are provided. The fluorescent discharge tube includes at least three U-shaped glass tubes joined to form one body, electrodes provided at the ends thereof, and one discharge path formed therein. The fluorescent discharge tube further includes first auxiliary amalgams in vicinities of the electrodes, main amalgams placed at least in two locations in the discharge path between the electrodes, and a second auxiliary amalgam placed at least in one location between the main amalgams.

Abstract: A mercury capsule for use in a fluorescent lamp comprises a metal ribbon which is provided with a first portion having a depression formed in a surface thereof for receiving and containing mercury, and a second portion having a protrusion formed on a surface thereof. A bendable portion interconnects the first and second portions. The second portion is bendably movable to a position wherein the protrusion overlies the depression and is further movable to place the protrusion in sealing engagement with the depression to sealingly enclose mercury in the depression.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure metal-halide lamp comprising a discharge vessel with an ionizable filling containing Hg, a halide and a rare gas, which vessel includes electrodes with a rod containing substantially W. The lamp, when in operation, maintains a W-halide cycle in the discharge vessel. According to the invention, the discharge vessel contains an oxygen dispenser.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp with a discharge vessel (10) having first and second end portions (11). The discharge vessel encloses a discharge space provided with a filling of mercury and an inert gas in a gastight manner. Each end portion (11) supports an electrode (20) which is arranged in the discharge space and secured to current supply conductors (30A, 30B) which are passed through the end portion (11) so as to project outside the discharge vessel (10). A segment (31A) of at least one current supply conductor (30A), which extends between the end portion (11) and the electrode (20), is covered with an amalgam. The region (35A) is situated at a distance da from the end portion (11). The amalgam can be relatively easily applied in the discharge lamp according to the invention.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp starting from a discharge vessel (10) wherein a closed holder (22) is placed which is provided with a quantity of one or more substances to be introduced in the discharge vessel (10). Subsequently, a desired gas atmosphere is brought about in the discharge vessel (10) and the discharge vessel is closed. Finally, the holder (22) is opened. According to the invention, the holder (22) is made from a leadoxide containing glass, which leadoxide is partly reduced and in which the amount of reduction is a measure of the mercury content of the holder (22). Due to the reduction process holders (22) with different mercury contents have a different color.

Abstract: A lamp includes a sealed transparent elongated envelope containing a gas fill, a coil at each of two ends of the elongated envelope, the coils extending widthwise of the envelope, and lead-in wires connected to each of the coils and connectable to an external source of electric current. The lamp further includes a capsule containing mercury and mounted within the envelope at one of the ends of the envelope, the capsule being connected to one of the lead-in wires of one of the coils, the capsule having a base end disposed in a widthwise plane of the envelope in which is disposed the one coil and disposed adjacent to a center portion of the one coil, the capsule having a body portion extending axially in the envelope toward the other of the coils. The other coil is adapted, upon energization by the current, to emit electrons toward the capsule to heat and burst the capsule, to release the mercury into the envelope.

Abstract: The lamp is provided with a metal holder (21) having an opening (21a) and resilient body (20) which fastens the holder in a tube (15) which is in communication with the discharge space. A first portion (20a) of the resilient body (20) is clamped in the opening (21a) of the holder (21). A second folded portion (21b) is clamped in inside the tube (15).

Abstract: A metal halide lamp comprises a discharge tube of transparent ceramic in which a discharge metal is sealed, the discharge tube having a main cylindrical portion, ring portions provided at both ends of the main cylindrical portion, and tubular cylindrical portions provided at the ring portions; and a pair of electrodes inside the discharge tube; wherein a wall thickness .alpha. (in mm) of the main cylindrical portion satisfies the relation0.0023.times.W+0.22.ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq.0.0023.times.W+0.62,and a wall thickness .beta. (in mm) of the ring portion satisfies the relation0.0094.times.W+0.5.ltoreq..beta..ltoreq.0.0094.times.W+1.5,wherein W is the lamp power expressed in Watt. Alternatively, the discharge tube is air-tightly enclosed in the outer tube; the outer tube is filled with a gas comprising nitrogen gas; and the wall thickness .alpha. (in mm) of the main cylindrical portion satisfies the relation0.0023.times.W+0.12.ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq.0.0023.times.W+0.62,and the wall thickness .beta.

Abstract: A light-transmitting discharge vessel (10) encloses a discharge space (11) in a gastight manner. The discharge space comprises mercury as well as one or several inert gases. The lamp is in addition provided with an electric coil (20) for generating a high-frequency magnetic field in the discharge space. The discharge lamp is provided with an auxiliary amalgam (40) which is provided on an elongate carrier (41) which is mechanically coupled to a tube (50) which issues into the discharge space. The auxiliary amalgam (40) covers the carrier (41) at least substantially entirely.

Abstract: At least one amalgam, which is disposed within the lamp envelope of an electrodeless fluorescent lamp to control mercury vapor pressure, is mechanically supported by an amalgam support arrangement in a manner non-invasive to the lamp envelope. The amalgam support arrangement supports one or more amalgams in a "flag" configuration and includes a support member, one end of which is configured for friction-fitting within the exhaust tube opening. The flag may be configured as a wire mesh or spiral-shaped wire, for example. Exemplary configurations for this end of the support member include a U-shape, spiral, zig-zag, or tubular configuration.

Abstract: A mercury dispensing device is disclosed that includes a mercury dispenser having the formula Ti.sub.x Zr.sub.y Hg.sub.z in which x and y are between 0 and 13, inclusive, the quantity x+y is between 3 and 13, inclusive, and z is 1 or 2; and a promoter that comprises copper, silicon and possibly a third metal selected among the transition elements. A getter material selected among titanium, zirconium, tantalum, niobium, vanadium and mixtures thereof, and alloys of these metals with nickel, iron or aluminum can be included in the device. The mercury dispenser, promoter and optional getter material are provided preferably in the form of powders compressed as a pellet, or contained in a ring-shaped metallic support or rolled on the surfaces of a metallic strip. Also disclosed is a process for introducing mercury into electron tubes by making use of the above-mentioned mercury-dispensing devices.

Abstract: In a fluorescent lamp with amalgam, a surface of the amalgam is covered by a barrier having at least one opening through which mercury atoms can move to a discharge space of the lamp from the amalgam while the lamp is being lighted. When the lamp is switched off, the barrier restricts the return of the mercury atoms from the discharge space to the amalgam. The amalgam solidifies faster than all the mercury atoms return to the amalgam, so that a lot of mercury atoms remain in the discharge space. When the lamp is re-lighted, an initial mercury vapor pressure can be maintained. Thus, the lamp illuminates at a predetermined intensity of the luminance from the beginning of the re-lighting.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury discharge lamp is provided with a light-transmitting discharge vessel (10) which contains mercury and a rare gas and which comprises means (20) for maintaining an electric discharge in the discharge vessel. A metal holder (30) supporting an amalgam (31) is arranged in the discharge vessel. The holder (30) is a metal plate (33) bent about an axis (32), portions (34a, 34b) of the plate bent towards one another defining a slot (35), while the holder is pinched together at its ends (36) and the amalgam (31) coats the holder on an internal surface (37) thereof. The manufacture of the holder is simple.

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.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrodeless fluorescent RF lamp which includes bulbous lamp envelope (10, 20) with a top, a bottom and a fill of rare gas and vaporizable amalgam (14) therein. A reentrant cavity (11, 21) is disposed adjacent the bottom of the envelope (10 a, 20a) and at least one tubulation (12, 22) extends from the envelope to hold at least a portion of the vaporizable amalgam. An induction coil (2) is disposed on lead wires and coupled with a radio frequency excitation generator for generation of a plasma to produce radiation. At least the major portion of the cold spot where the amalgam resides is maintained at a temperature between about 60.degree. and 140.degree. C. during operation of the lamp, by utilizing a portion of the induction coil to warm up to amalgam.

Abstract: An electrodeless low-pressure discharge lamp is provided with a lamp vessel which is closed in a gastight manner, which surrounds a discharge space, and which contains a filling of mercury and rare gas. The lamp vessel has a cavity and a collar where the cavity is open towards the exterior, an electric coil being accommodated in the cavity and support with an amalgam being arranged in the discharge space. The collar is made of metal and the support of the amalgam is fastened to the collar. This construction counteracts degeneration of the amalgam.

Abstract: A low pressure mercury discharge lamp includes a sealed envelope defining a discharge space, an electrode disposed at one end of the envelope, mercury vapor sealed in the discharge space, and a starting flag. The starting flag includes a layer of bonded molecular sieve particles adhered to a metal foil.

Abstract: To retain a starting amalgam in a fluorescent lamp, a carrier body (7, 7', 37, 47), for example formed as an iron sheet-metal element of about 2.5.times.7 mm, and having a thickness of, for example, 0.2 mm, is secured to a glass element (6, 6', 36, 46) which retains current supply leads (3, 4, 3', 4') extending into the discharge vessel of the lamp, and holding the filament (5, 5') therein. The carrier body can also be a mesh or a wire; it may be melted into, or glazed-on or melted-on the glass element. This permits locating the starting amalgam close to the hottest portion of the electrode mount for the lamp for rapid supply of mercury upon firing of the lamp.

Abstract: A cold cathode fluorescent discharge tube is provided having, as an anode standing for one of discharge electrodes, a mercury discharge structure comprising a metal sintered body formed by sintering powder of a high melting point metal such as titanium, with mercury combined with the metal sintered body. The mercury discharge structure is so formed as to contain large amount of mercury and is therefore permitted to have a compact shape in order to obtain a requisite amount of mercury. The cold cathode fluorescent discharge tube permits a sufficient amount of mercury to be sealingly incorporated in the interior of the tube without decreasing the ratio of the effective luminescent length to the total length, having suitability to diameter reduction, and can be produced at low cost.

Abstract: A first portion of a spiral wire support for an amalgam is securely fitted into an exhaust tube formed in a re-entrant cavity of an electrodeless fluorescent lamp before attachment and sealing of the re-entrant cavity to the bulb of the lamp. A second portion of the spiral wire support extends into the bulb and holds an amalgam in thermal contact with the apex of the bulb. The second portion has a larger diameter than the first portion to ensure against movement of the spiral wire support into the exhaust tube. The end of the second portion of the spiral wire support is wetted with an alloy capable of forming an amalgam with mercury prior to insertion of the wire support into the exhaust tube. Mercury is added to the bulb after final evacuation of the bulb in preparation for dosing the lamp with its fill. As a result, an amalgam is formed and maintained in thermal contact with the apex of the bulb, regardless of lamp orientation.

Abstract: A glass rod extending through and sealed to the exhaust tube of an electrodeless SEF fluorescent discharge lamp has a metal support member at one end thereof for supporting an amalgam at or near the apex of the lamp envelope. The metal support member may comprise a spiral-shaped wire, a wire screen, or a wire basket. Preferably, the amalgam is maintained in contact with the apex of the lamp envelope. If desired, the metal support member may comprise a magnetic material to allow for magnetic transport of the amalgam assembly during lamp processing. The metal support member restricts spreading of the amalgam when in a liquid state; and the glass rod provides rigid support for the amalgam independent of lamp orientation.

Abstract: A capsule containing a precise amount of a substance such as mercury is mounted in an electrode mount assembly on a temperature sensitive member. At elevated temperatures the capsule is moved away from lamp components by the temperature sensitive member to preclude inadvertent release of the mercury into the sealed lamp. After the lamp has cooled, the temperature sensitive member urges the capsule into biased engagement with a cutting wire so that upon supply of current thereto the capsule is melted and opened to release the mercury.

Abstract: A sealed gas discharge lamp is filed with a water vapor-enriched low pressure nitrogen oxygen mixture and a storage medium such as manganese dioxide is included in a separate vessel of the lamp for additionally storing water vapor but releasing the water vapor as the pressure in the lamp drops, the release may be augmented by heating the storage medium.

Abstract: An electric arc discharge lamp includes an elongated hollow tubular transparent envelope having a pair of opposite ends, a pair of electrode mounts respectively disposed in the ends of the tubular envelope, and a dosing capsule defining a hermetically sealed annular cavity containing a predetermined quantity of a dosing liquid therein. The dosing capsule has an inner edge defining an opening through the capsule for receiving a portion of one the electrode mounts therethrough such that the capsule is supported by the one electrode mount with the sealed annular cavity substantially surrounding the one electrode mount. The electrode mount includes a glass stem having inner and outer axially-displaced opposite ends, a pair of lead-in conductors extending through the glass stem and from the opposite ends of the glass stem, and an electrode supported between a pair of inner ends of the lead-in conductors adjacent to and spaced from the inner end of the glass stem.

Abstract: A mercury vapor discharge lamp such as a negative glow discharge lamp includes a light-transmitting envelope containing a noble gas fill material. An anode electrode and a cathode electrode are spacedly located within the envelope. An amalgam-forming material for regulating the mercury vapor pressure of the lamp is disposed within the envelope. In order to increase the mercury vapor pressure and consequently the light output of the lamp at low ambient temperatures, a heating element is disposed within the envelope and in close thermal proximity to the amalgam-forming material. A thermostatic switch coupled to the heating element is activated when the temperature adjacent the amalgam-forming material is below a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An amalgam has a base metal including bismuth in an amount selected from the range between about 45 wt % and 65 wt %, and lead in an amount selected from the range between about 35 wt % and 55 wt %. The amalgam also includes mercury the amount of which is selected from the range between about 1 wt % and 12 wt % of the total amount of the amalgam. Such amalgam is sealed in a low mercury vapor pressure discharge lamp which operates at a medium bulb surface temperature to achieve a stable mercury vapor pressure over an extended amalgam temperature range.

Abstract: An improved high pressure sodium vapor lamp construction is provided for operation on sonic frequency pulses without excessive acoustic noise. The novel jacketed lamp construction employs non-magnetostrictive metal for the frame employed to suspend a ceramic arc tube within the outer jacket in combination with a particular orientation or placement for ring getter elements located within said outer envelope. Various lamp constructions embodying such improvement are disclosed to enable relatively noise free lamp operation.

Abstract: A mixture of an alkali metal compound and its reducing agent is heated by a heating means, whereby alkali metal vapors are generated and stored in a vapor reserver. The thus stored vapors permeate through a porous member heated by another heating means and are ionized. The thus formed ions are withdrawn by an ion withdrawal means.

Abstract: An electric arc discharge switch having less susceptibility to electrode erosion and capable of being optically triggered. In a first embodiment the switch includes a gas tight body defining a hollow interior with electrodes mounted onto the body and forming a conducting path into the body interior. Portions of the body are optically transmissive to light frequencies above the photoelectric effect cutoff frequency for cesium vapor. A buffer gas and a predetermined quantity of vaporizable cesium are disposed within the hollow body interior and a flash lamp may be mounted onto the switch exterior. In operation, light frequencies above the photoelectric effect cutoff frequency for cesium are introduced into the switch body, ionizing the cesium vapor therein and reducing the resistance and breakdown voltage between the electrodes so as to initiate an electric arc. In an alternative embodiment a control plate with an aperture is disposed within the switch body between the electrodes.

Abstract: A thermally actuated thermionic switch which responds to an increase of temperature by changing from a high impedance to a low impedance at a predictable temperature set point. The switch has a bistable operation mode switching only on temperature increases. The thermionic material may be a metal which is liquid at the desired operation temperature and held in matrix in a graphite block reservoir, and which changes state (ionizes, for example) so as to be electrically conductive at a desired temperature.

Abstract: A source for vapor depositing manganese onto a substrate in a vacuum. The source is formed by a chain of metallic beads fused around a wire. The material of the wire has a high recrystallization temperature, the beads consist of an alloy of manganese and one or more other substances from the group of metals and metalloids having a saturated vapor pressure much lower than that of manganese, and the fusion temperature of the alloy is lower than that of pure manganese and lower than the recrystallization temperature of the material of the wire. The beads are formed by securing blocks of the alloy to the wire by means of electric welding, after which the blocks are fused around the wire and are cooled.

Abstract: An electron-emitting surface is provided with a material reducing the electron work function, which is obtained from a suitable reaction. The reaction mixture or the product to be decomposed, for example CsN.sub.3, is present in a surface depression of a semiconductor body, while one or more pn junctions act as a heating diode. Upon heating, cesium is released and deposited on the electron-emitting surface.

Abstract: An electrodeless fluorescent lamp having a core of magnetic material surrounded by a coil for producing a high-frequency magnetic field in a lamp vessel surrounding the core and coil. An amalgam holder is located in the vessel, in the region surrounding the core where the electric discharge is formed so that the amalgam is heated directly by the discharge. Substantially all the mercury contained in this amalgam is released quickly after the lamp is turned on, so that the light output rises rapidly.