Abstract: A mercury discharge lamp includes: a discharge tube having encapsulated therein mercury in the form of an amalgam; and a temperature control member that controls an ambient temperature of the amalgam in such a manner as to compensate for a change in the ambient temperature of the amalgam. The temperature control member may include a bimetal supporting the amalgam at a predetermined position, and the support member is formed or constituted by a bimetal. By the bimetal deforming in response to a change in the ambient temperature of the amalgam, the temperature control member changes a spaced-apart distance of the amalgam to a filament within the discharge tube and thereby changes an influence of heat generation by the filament on the amalgam. The temperature control member may include, near the amalgam, a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature to control heat generation thereby.

Abstract: An approach is disclosed for generating seed electrons at a spark gap in the absence of 85Kr. The present approach utilizes the photo-electric effect, using a light source with a specific nominal wave length (or range of wavelengths) at a specific level of emitted flux to generate seed electrons.

Abstract: The present approach relates to generating seed electrons at a spark gap in the absence of 85Kr. The present approach utilizes electron emission from a triple-point instead to provide seed electrons to reduce the statistical time lag of a spark gap. In one such implementation, a spark gap a spark gap may be fabricated and/or operated without a radioactive component without otherwise changing its overall form or function of the spark gap.

Abstract: There is provided a pipe in a solar thermal power plant. The pipe includes an inner tube configured for carrying a heated heat transfer fluid, an outer tube surrounding the inner tube, wherein the space between the inner and outer tube is evacuated, and a getter restraint structure configured for maintaining getters in a predetermined position. The getter restraint structure is in contact with the outer tube and otherwise entirely free of contact with the inner tube and/or is in thermal isolation from the inner tube.

Abstract: Discharge lamps containing improved starting amalgam are described. A method to increase the mercury vapor pressure during discharge lamp start-up is also described.

Abstract: Instead of sealing together the upper and lower panels of a display device with only a solid-filled sealing material, a vacuum region is provided in suction-force-applying communication with at least one of the panels and anchored to the other so as to pull the panels together due to pressure difference with and ambient atmosphere. The display device includes: a vacuum region defined by a pair of spaced apart, resilient and gas impermeable support barriers formed to integrally extend from at least one of the upper and lower panels of the display device and having the other end in vacuum region closing contact with the other display panel where the vacuum region is positioned in a peripheral area of the display device.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge lamp (1) configured as a coaxial double tube comprises an inner tube (3), which is disposed coaxially inside an outer tube (2). The inner tube (3) comprises an inner electrode tube (8) provided for receiving the inner electrode (7) and a getter tube (10) provided for receiving getter material (9). The inner electrode tube (8) and getter tube (10) are separated from each other in a gastight manner by a partition (11).

Abstract: A dimmable amalgam lamp is provided having a quartz glass tube enclosing a discharge chamber comprising a filling gas, and closed by pinching at both ends thereof, through which at least one current feedthrough is fed through one coil-shaped electrode each in the discharge chamber, wherein at least one of the pinches has a hollow space having an opening to the discharge chamber for receiving a deposit of amalgam that can be heated by the coil-shaped electrode. In order to provide a method for operating the amalgam lamp on this basis, ensuring a high efficiency of UV-C radiation even when dimmed, the invention proposes that the current feedthrough include an outgoing line and a return line for an additional current Iadd, and that the additional current Iadd is adjusted as a function of the level of the actual lamp current Iactual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mercury dispensing system (11; 21, 31) for fluorescent lamps, comprising a dispensing member (12; 22, 32) containing a mercury releasing compound. The dispensing member (12; 22, 32) is fixed on a metal support (13; 23; 33) suitable to be heated by electromagnetic induction in order to cause the activation of said mercury releasing compound. The surface area of the metal support (13; 23; 33) is comprised between 9 and 64 mm2. The invention also relates to fluorescent lamps comprising said mercury dispensing system (11; 21; 31).

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp can be configured to prevent a decrease in luminescent efficiency when located in a high temperature room. The fluorescent lamp can include a couple of stems each including an emitter electrode located opposite to each other at each end of a tube, a filler gas located in the tube, a damping material and a coolest portion connected to the tube via the stem and the damping material. The coolest portion can be configured with a first material that has a higher thermal conductivity than the conductivity of both the tube and the stems. The damping material can be configured with both the first material and a second material that has a lower conductivity than the conductivity of the first material. A content ratio of first material vs. second material can change along a length of the damping material. Thus, the coolest portion can maintain a favorable temperature and the fluorescent lamp can maintain a favorable luminescent efficiency even when in a sealed casing.

Abstract: An arc discharge lamp (10) has an envelope (12) including a base (14) containing lead-ins (16, 18). An arc tube (20) is positioned within the envelope (12) and has electrodes (22, 24) sealed therein. The electrodes have connection ends (26, 28) extending outside of the arc tube (20). A flexible primary electrical connector (30) is fixed between one of the lead-ins (16) and one of the connection ends (26) of one of the electrodes (22), the flexible primary electrical connector (30) having an area “A” subject to intergranular corrosion in the presence of oxygen and arc tube operating temperatures. A rigid secondary, intergranular-corrosion-resistant electrical connector (32) is electrically connected between the lead-in (16) and the one of the connection ends (26) of the one of the electrodes (22), the rigid secondary electrical connector (32) by-passing the area “A” that is subject to intergranular corrosion.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp has a light-transmitting discharge vessel enclosing, in a gastight manner, a discharge space provided with a filling of mercury and a rare gas. The discharge vessel includes electrode(s) for maintaining a discharge in the discharge space. The discharge vessel further includes a dispenser for controllably dispensing hydrogen into the discharge space during lamp operation. The hydrogen gas pressure during lamp operation is in the range between 10?3 Pa and 10 Pa.

Abstract: A safe light emitting device includes a reflective housing with an open end, a support coupled to the reflective housing, a holder, and a lamp. The holder is positioned on the support and is remote from the open end of the reflective housing. The lamp includes a bulb and a connector connecting the bulb to the holder. The bulb defines a concavity in an outer surface thereof.

Abstract: An amalgam capsule (16) for a low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp (1) has a closed end and an opposing end with an opening (21) to allow passage of mercury vapor between the amalgam plug (18) and the discharge space (3) of the lamp (1). A glass rod (19) placed in the capsule (16) restrains movement of the amalgam plug (18), and projections (20) in the inner wall of the capsule (16) restrain movement of the glass rod (19). The presence of the amalgam capsule (16) in the discharge space (3) enables highly-loaded, substantially temperature-independent operation of linear fluorescent lamps such as T8 lamps.

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: [Problem] To provide a light-emitting device as a point light source having a broad emission spectrum by a safe and simple process. [Means for Solving the Problem] The discharge light source shown in FIG. 1 is composed of an insulated pipe 30 and electrodes 31a and 31b. Projections 32a and 32b extend from the electrodes 31a and 31b. When a voltage is applied to the electrodes 31a and 31b in an argon gas flow through the insulated pipe 30 passing between the projections 32a and 32b, a glow discharge is generated thereby emitting light in the area between the projections 32a and 32b. The interval between the projections 32a and 32b is so narrow that the emitting area is small, and thus the light source serves as a point light source. The emission intensity increases with an increase of the gas flow rate, whereby a continuous broad emission spectrum is produced over the ultraviolet to visible region.

Abstract: A sealing structure for a field emission display (FED) device and a method of manufacturing the same is provided. The sealing structure includes an upper substrate, a lower substrate, spacers, and a frit, wherein at least one exhaust outlet is formed in the frit. The method of manufacturing the sealing structure of the FED device prepares a lower substrate and an upper substrate, installs a frit having at least one exhaust outlet between the lower substrate and the upper substrate, and heats the lower substrate and the upper substrate while arranging the upper substrate on the lower substrate at a predetermined temperature to melt the frit in order to seal the space between the lower substrate and the upper substrate. Inner gas can be easily exhausted and the inside of the FED is reliably sealed while preventing damages of the spacers.

Abstract: In an image display apparatus composed of a vacuum container having an electron source composed of multiple electron-emitting devices and a phosphor film that is irradiated with an electron from the electron source to emit light for display, an ion pump for exhausting the vacuum container through a communicating path by virtue of an action of a magnetism forming portion is arranged. A magnetic shielding member is arranged in a space where the ion pump and the electron-emitting devices are in communication with each other, whereby an influence of a magnetic field generated by the magnetism forming portion on the trajectory of an electron emitted from any one of the electron-emitting devices and display luminance unevenness incidental to the influence are removed.

Abstract: A lamp assembly includes a reflector body having an integral crimping portion that extends inwardly over a channel formed in the reflector body, a seal feature arranged within the channel, a cathode assembly having an edge feature extending into the channel, and a resilient member held in a state of compression between the crimping portion and a first surface of the edge feature such that an opposing second surface of the edge member is held against the sealing feature thereby creating a hermetic seal between the cathode assembly and the reflector body wherein the crimping portion is configured to remain in contact with the resilient member if the hermetic seal becomes non-hermetic.

Abstract: Provided is an image display apparatus, including: a vacuum container which includes an electron source and an anode electrode opposed to the electron source; and an ion pump arranged so as to communicate through the vacuum container, in which: an ion pump container is composed of a non-electroconductive material; and an electroconductive film is formed on an external surface of the vacuum container on a side on which the ion pump container is mounted or on an internal surface of the ion pump container. The image display apparatus achieves: a reduction in weight of the ion pump; an improvement in compatibility to the vacuum container; and the prevention of an adverse effect of discharge inside the ion pump on image display.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp containing zinc amalgam and a method of precisely controlling the amount of mercury introduced into a temperature controlled fluorescent lamp. Precise quantities of mercury may be introduced into a fluorescent lamp in the form of solid zinc amalgam pellets that are in a metastable, non-equilibrium state.

Abstract: An image display device of the present invention includes a container having a substrate; an electron source provided thereon; and an image display member which opposes the electron source substrate and which displays an image when being irradiated with electrons emitted from the electron source. In addition, the container further has first getters provided in an image display area which is formed between the image display member and the electron source, and ring non-evaporable second getters which are provided outside the image display area.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for speeding workpiece thoughput in low pressure, high temperature semiconductor processing reactor. The system includes apparatus for loading a workpiece into a chamber at atmospheric pressure, bringing the chamber down to an intermediate pressure, and heating the wafer while under the intermediate pressure. The chamber is then pumped down to the operating pressure. The preferred embodiments involve single wafer plasma ashers, where a wafer is loaded onto lift pins at a position above a wafer chuck, the pressure is rapidly pumped down to about 40 Torr by rapidly opening and closing an isolation valve, and the wafer is simultaneously lowered to the heated chuck. Alternatively, the wafer can be pre-processed to remove an implanted photoresist crust at a first temperature and the chamber then backfilled to about 40 Torr for further heating to close to the chuck temperature.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp is provided with a discharge vessel (10). The discharge vessel comprises tubular end portions (11; 11′), which each have a longitudinal axis (12; 12′). The discharge vessel (10) encloses a discharge space (18) containing a filling of mercury and an inert gas in a gastight manner. Electrodes (20; 20′) are arranged in the discharge space (18). An auxiliary amalgam is provided on a carrier (25; 25′) in the proximity of the electrodes (20; 20′). According to the invention, a part of the carrier (25; 25′) is arranged in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis (12; 12′). Preferably, a stem (21; 21′) in the tubular end portion (11; 11′) carries, apart from the electrode (20; 20′), a support in the form of a wire (23; 23′) or an extended exhaust tube, which support carries the carrier (25; 25′). In an alternative embodiment, the carrier is clamped directly onto the stem.

Abstract: A cold cathode electronic device capable of removing pollution of emitter electrodes occurring during manufacturing of the device, to thereby enhance emission characteristics of the emitter electrodes and luminous efficiency of a phosphor layer. The cold cathode electronic device includes hydrogen occlusion metal incorporated in a gate electrode and/or an anode electrode. A field emission luminous device and a cold cathode luminous device each including such a cold cathode electronic device are disclosed.

Abstract: An extended temperature operating range low pressure discharge lamp (10) including: an envelope (12) containing an ionizable medium (20) at a selected pressure; an electrode (16, 18) sealed at each end of the envelope (12) for sustaining an electric discharge through the ionizable medium; and a volume variation control for varying the volume of the ionizable medium (20) in response in variations in temperature within the envelope, wherein the volume variation control includes at least one control volume (of gaseous pressure 40) containing a specified volume of the ionizable medium and an aperture (34) communicating between the envelope (12) and the at least one control volume, wherein the at least one control volume includes a sliding piston (36) for varying the volume of the ionizable medium (20) within the envelope (12).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the performance of a lamp includes an envelope (10) enclosing an amalgam or dose (24) of mercury housed in a container (20). The container maintains mercury vapor equilibrium during lamp operation and prevents mercury diffusion during lamp off periods. The container has an opening (24) therein selectively adjustable between an open position and a closed position. A bimetal member (30) is associated with the opening of the container and provides the actuating means by which the container opens and closes. A stopping member (32), such as a valve or ball bearing, is attached to the bimetal member and extends into the container. When the lamp is in operation, the bimetal member is heated causing it to deflect. The deflection moves the stopping member from the container opening and enables the amalgam to maintain mercury vapor pressure equilibrium.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp containing zinc amalgam and a method of precisely controlling the amount of mercury introduced into a temperature controlled fluorescent lamp. Precise quantities of mercury may be introduced into a fluorescent lamp in the form of solid zinc amalgam pellets that are in a metastable, non-equilibrium state.

Abstract: A glass extension (24) with a cavity (32) for an amalgam (22) is added to an exhaust tube (12) or a flare (14) of a fluorescent lamp. The mouth (36) of the cavity (32) is provided with a bimetal valve having a cover portion (40) to close the cavity (32) when the lamp is cold and to open the cavity when the lamp is hot. The amalgam (22) is a metallic amalgam of, for example, mercury or other know suitable materials for establishing a metallic vapor equilibrium during operation of a discharge lamp. The amalgam holder helps to maintain optimum mercury vapor equilibrium at start-up, and to reduce the effects of mercury vapor starvation resulting from off-times.

Abstract: A hermetic container which does not require a getter room and can reliably absorb gases released in a container. In a field emission display, the hermetic container contains a front substrate and an opposite substrate confronting each other and a spacer disposed between the outer fringes of the front substrate and the outer fringes of the opposite substrate. Stripe anodes are formed on the inner surface of the front substrate. Each anode is formed of a transparent anode conductor and a fluorescent substance layer. Field emission elements are formed on the inner surface of the opposite substrate and respectively have a cathode conductor, an insulating layer, a gate, and an emitter disposed in an opening. Each of supports has one end which is disposed between stripe anodes and is in contact with the front substrate and the other end which is disposed between stripe gates and is in contact with the insulating layer.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury vapour discharge lamp according to the invention is provided with a radiation-transmitting discharge vessel (10) which encloses a discharge space (11) in a gastight manner and comprises mercury as well as a rare gas. Mercury is also present in a vapour pressure control member (21) which is in communication with the discharge space (11) during nominal operation. The discharge lamp has means (40) for maintaining a discharge in the discharge space (11). The vapour pressure control member (21) forms part of a mercury control member (20) which also comprises mercury transport control means (22) which limit the mercury transport from the discharge space (11) to the vapour pressure control member (21), at least while the lamp is out of operation, to such an extent that this transport is at most 5 ng/h.cm.sup.3, measured at room temperature and in the presence of a saturated mercury vapour in the discharge vessel, per unit volume of the discharge space.

Abstract: An emitter structure 12 for use in a field emission display device comprises a ballast layer 17 overlying an electrically conductive coating 16 (cathode electrode), which is itself formed on an electrically insulating substrate 18. A gate electrode comprises a coating of an electrically conductive material 22 which is deposited on an insulating layer 20. Cone-shaped microtips 14 formed within apertures 34 through conductive layer 22 and insulating layer 20. In the present invention, insulating layer 20 comprises a dielectric material capable of desorbing at least ten atomic percent hydrogen, which may illustratively comprise hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ). HSQ is an abundant source of hydrogen which keeps deleterious oxides from forming on microtip emitters 14. HSQ also reduces the capacitance formed by cathode electrode 16 and gate electrode 22, since its relative dielectric constant is less than 3.5.

Abstract: An emitter structure 12 for use in a field emission display device comprises a ballast layer 17 overlying ah electrically conductive coating 16 (cathode electrode), which is itself formed on an electrically insulating substrate 18. A gate electrode comprises a coating of an electrically conductive material 22 which is deposited on an insulating layer 20. Cone-shaped microtips 14 formed within apertures 34 through conductive layer 22 and insulating layer 20. In the present invention, insulating layer 20 comprises a dielectric material capable of desorbing at least ten atomic percent hydrogen, which may illustratively comprise hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ). HSQ is an abundant source of hydrogen which keeps deleterious oxides from forming on microtip emitters 14. HSQ also reduces the capacitance formed by cathode electrode 16 and gate electrode 22, since its relative dielectric constant is less than 3.5.

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 compact low pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp which utilizes an amalgam for reducing the vapor pressure of mercury by absorption. The lamp has a tubulation positioned at a location spaced from the lamp electrodes which is in communication with an arc sustaining gas and includes a container for retention of liquified amalgam within the tubulation. The mercury vapor from the electrical charge sustaining gas is in communication with the amalgam for absorption.

Abstract: An electron beam system comprises a vacuum enclosure, a source of electrons within the enclosure, and a passive pump located within or in communication with the enclosure for pumping gases from the enclosure. A supplemental active pump is coupled to the vacuum enclosure and functions simultaneously with the passive pump for pumping from the enclosure gases not removed, or not removed efficiently, therefrom by the passive pump.

Abstract: An oxygen detector for use in a double envelope lamp is described. The detector may be formed by nitriding a metal surface to produce a metal piece with a first visual color or state. The surface thickness is sufficient to exclude oxygen during normal assemble, but thin enough to change colors during lamp operation if oxygen is present.

Abstract: A large volume magnetoplasma is created by (a) establishing a plasma in an electrically isolated, tubular cavity formed by a cylinder (10) containing a source of ions and electrons at low pressure, into which rf energy is coupled by an antenna (32) alongside the cavity; and (b) allowing the plasma to extend into an adjoining auxiliary region (20) which is connected to the cavity (10). Preferably the operating conditions in the cavity (10) are such that the production of atomic species in the plasma is enhanced. The enhancement occurs when the operating conditions satisfy the relationships ##EQU1## where W is the power in watts applied to the antenna (32), D is the diameter of the plasma cavity (10) in cm, p is the pressure in the cavity (10) (and in the auxiliary region (20)) expressed in millitorr, f is the frequency of the rf power in MHz, L is the length of the antenna (32) in cm and B is the magnetic field in the cavity (10), established by a coil (13) which surrounds the cavity, expressed in gauss.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure sodium discharge lamp intended to be operated in conjunction with an external starter or with an internal starter without a glow discharge. The lamp has an outer bulb which is provided with a lamp cap and encloses an evacuated space in which a discharge vessel is arranged. According to the invention, the space enclosed by the outer bulb further accommodates a closed holder, whose wall mainly comprises glass-forming constituents and which contains at least helium. Thus, it is achieved that the lamp has a strongly reduced increase in lamp voltage during the life.

Abstract: Gas laser apparatus comprises a cavity 10 containing a gaseous active medium, and discharge electrodes 11 and 12 between which a potential difference may be applied to produce an electric pumping discharge in the active medium. A reservoir 17 communicates with the cavity to form a sealed enclosure containing the active medium and volume control means 19 are contained in the reservoir 17 to vary the pressure of the gaseous active medium in the cavity.

Abstract: An amalgam is disposed within the arc tube of a high intensity arc discharge lamp so as to stabilize the electrical power being supplied to the lamp against variations in line voltage. The vapor pressure of mercury in the arc tube varies as a function of the lamp temperature which depends in turn on applied lamp voltage. The resulting change in arc voltage due to corresponding changes in mercury pressure operates to restore the power input to its approximate original value.

Abstract: An ambient pressure lamp for automobiles and related conveyances includes a parabolic reflector having an inner reflective surface, an outer surface, a base portion and an outer peripheral edge wherein the base portion includes a centrally located clearance aperture for receipt of a lamp filament socket. The reflector member is enclosed by a lens member which as a stepped inner surface and a surrounding lip portion which is sealingly attached to the outer peripheral edge of the reflector member in order to define an inner chamber wherein a lamp filament is positioned. An expandable membrane is sealingly joined around the outer surface of the reflector member and around the lamp filament socket so as to define an expansion chamber between the outer surface and the membrane.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed, partially evacuated switch is maintained at a non-oxidizing residual pressure of from about 10.sup.-1 to 10.sup.2 Torr by inclusion of selected hydrogen gettering metal hydride within the sealed switch envelope. The metal hydride is selected with a hydrogen equilibrium pressure at the switch operating temperature such that the pressure within the switch envelope is maintained in the desired range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compact low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp consisting of a glass inner member which is closely surrounded by a glass cylindrical outer member, one end of which is hemispherical.The edge at the other end of the outer member is sealed in a gas-tight manner to the inner member. The discharge path between the electrodes may be folded as shown. The discharge is present in a groove, formed in the wall of one of the members. Near the said sealed edge there is an amalgam which is accessible to the discharge space via a narrow channel.

Abstract: A high pressure metal (sodium) vapor lamp comprises an outer vitreous envelope and an inner ceramic arc tube supported within it. The arc tube contains vaporizable metal in excess of the quantity vaporized in operation and the heat balance determines a cold spot whereat excess metal collects. The temperature of the cold spot determines the metal vapor pressure and the voltage drop across the lamp which must lie between specified limits. A thermal link is provided to a metal member such as the exhaust tube the heat loss from which influences significantly the temperature of the cold spot. In completed lamps measuring too low in voltage, such thermal link may be partly severed without breaking open the outer envelope in order to raise the voltage. One convenient way utilizes an auxiliary wire which is cut by aiming a laser beam at it.