Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma display panel including a front substrate, a plurality of electrodes arranged on the front substrate, an upper dielectric layer covering the plurality of electrodes on the front substrate, and a rear substrate arranged opposite to the front substrate, wherein the upper dielectric layer comprises a convex portion thicker than a surrounding portion thereof and a concave portion thinner than a surrounding portion thereof, and the thickness of the portion of the upper dielectric layer corresponding to the concave portion is equal to or more than 0.04 times and equal to or less than 0.9 times of the thickness of the portion of the upper dielectric layer corresponding to the convex portion.

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 fluorescent lamp includes a discharge tube having an inner wall forming a discharge chamber. One or more coiled electrodes are disposed within the discharge tube. A mercury containing composition is disposed on at least one coiled electrode.

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: The invention relates to methods of manufacturing gas-discharge electron lamps, and neon tubes in particular. According to the invention, it is proposed, prior to carrying out vacuum treatment of the internal space of an electron lamp (1), to mount at least one of said glass capsules (2) in exhaust tube (5), in close proximity to an exposed electrode in such manner that the opening provided in metal container (4) is facing the working area of the lamp (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the generation of a plasma through electric discharge in a discharge space which contains at least two electrodes, at least one of which is constructed from a matrix material or carrier material, such that an erosion-susceptible region with an evaporation spot is formed at least by the current flow. To present a method or a device for the generation of a plasma by electric discharge, it is suggested that a sacrificial substrate (38) is provided at least at the evaporation spot, the boiling point of said sacrificial suvstrate (38) during discharge operation lying below the melting point of the carrier material (30), such that charge carriers arising in the current flow are mainly generated from the sacrificial substrate (38).

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 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: The invention relates to a low-pressure discharge lamp, having a tubular discharge vessel made from glass, the free ends of which are closed off in a gas tight manner, two electrode systems (3) each having a filament (7), two supply conductors (5, 6) and a bead (8) of glass, the ends of the supply conductors (5, 6) being fused into the ends of the discharge vessel which have been closed off in a gas tight manner and, in order to be held in a region between the filament (7) and the discharge vessel fused seal (2), into the bead (8), and a device for switching off the lamp at the end of its service life, comprising a paste (9) which contains a metal hydride and is fitted to the bead (8). According to the invention, the bead (8) consists of a glass material which has a resistivity of greater 108 &OHgr;cm at 350° C.

Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed for introducing into the fluorescent lamps small amounts of mercury. The device is formed of a metallic container which is capable of containing powders of one or more compounds having the general formula TixZryHgz, but is not hermetically sealed, in order to allow the discharge of mercury vapors generated by the decomposition of such compounds. Some possible device geometries are disclosed, as well as some possible arrangements of the same inside lamps. Finally a method is disclosed for introducing mercury into a lamp by means of a device of the invention, without the device remaining in the resulting lamp.

Abstract: A metal frame x-ray tube (1), includes a gettering system (90) which, when activated, provides a layer (147) of gettering material (98) on a grounded conductive portion (72, 74) of a metal frame or envelope (14). The envelope defines an evacuated chamber (12), which houses an anode (10) and a cathode (18). Moving the gettering material to larger diameter portions of the frame enables substantially larger amounts of gettering material to be provided than in a conventional gettering system, which is typically housed in the cathode assembly (26). Moreover, multiple independently controllable gettering wires (92, 94) facilitate reactivating the gettering material plural times both during the manufacturing process and in the field. This ability to rejuvenate vacuum pumping capability in an x-ray tube that is starting to arc in the field allows for extended x-ray tube life.

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: An organic electroluminescent device comprising an organic layer having a luminescent region provided between an anode and a cathode, wherein the organic layer comprises a distyryl compound.

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 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: A mercury dispensing support strip capable of dispensing mercury and sorbing reactive gases. In one embodiment, the support strip of the invention includes at least one track of mercury releasing material deposited on one face of the support strip. At least one track of getter material is also deposited on the same face of the support strip. The tracks of mercury releasing and getter materials are deposited on the support strip such that the mechanical strains exerted by the materials on points of the support strip that are substantially symmetric with respect to a central axis of said first surface of said mercury dispensing support strip are substantially equivalent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low-pressure discharge lamp with at least one porting element (12) placed inside a discharge vessel (10). Said supporting element is provided with a mercurial coating (13) and is coated with a getter material (14). The coated surfaces of the supporting element (12) are inclined at an angle of at least 30 degrees in relation to the longitudinal axis (A--A) of the discharge vessel (10).

Abstract: In a method according to the invention, a capsule (20) having a glass wall (21) and containing mercury is positioned in a radiation-transmitting discharge vessel, after which the discharge vessel is provided with a rare gas and closed, means for maintaining an electric discharge are arranged in or adjacent the discharge vessel, and the capsule is opened by fusion after the discharge vessel has been closed in that the capsule is heated by irradiation (42) with a parallel beam of radiation through the wall of the discharge vessel. The wall of the capsule has for this radiation an absorption coefficient which amounts at least ten times that of the wall portion of the discharge vessel. The method according to the invention renders possible a comparatively simple lamp construction.

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: A low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp according to the invention is provided with a discharge vessel having a tubular portion and a first and a second end portion. The discharge vessel encloses a discharge space provided with a filling of mercury and a rare gas in a gastight manner. Each end portion supports an electrode which is arranged in the discharge space. Current supply conductors extend from the electrodes through the end portions to outside the discharge vessel. The tubular portion of the discharge vessel is provided with a metal oxide layer on a surface which faces the discharge space. The first and the second end portion are also provided with metal oxide layers at surfaces which face the discharge space. The lamp according to the invention has a comparatively low mercury consumption.

Abstract: A cold-cathode fluorescent lamp includes an opposing pair of electrodes in spaced relationship in a tubular glass bulb of which the inner wall surface is coated with fluorescent material, and each of the electrodes is divided into four plate-like electrode members each having mercury and getter preliminarily coated thereon while maintaining a necessary area for each electrode without any contact with the inner wall surface of the tubular glass bulb. The opposite ends of the tubular glass bulb are airtightly sealed with beads through which electricity feeding wires extend for feeding electricity to the electrodes while holding the electrodes in the tubular glass bulb. Two of the four plate-like electrode members are located on one side of each electricity feeding wire, while another two of the same are located on the opposite side of the same. The respective plate-like electrode members are spot-welded to each electricity feeding wire.

Abstract: In a physical vapor deposition method of thermochemical treatment of metals, the substance of a target which constitutes a first electrode of a treatment furnace is evaporated by ion bombardment optionally assisted by an electrical arc discharge. The particles evaporated in this manner are deposited onto a substrate at the potential of a second electrode which is different from that of the first electrode. The substrate is heated during this deposition to a treatment temperature exceeding 600.degree. C. and preferably between 800.degree. C. and 1 200.degree. C. The target and its ancillary members in the furnace are continuously cooled by a flow of cooling fluid so that when the treatment temperature is reached the material of the target remains solid and the evaporation occurring at the surface of the target is effected by sublimation. The result is to improve the regularity of the deposit, its adherence to the substrate and the treatment time.

Abstract: A method of dispensing mercury into an arc discharge lamp containing a mercury capsule adjacent one of the coil electrodes is disclosed. The method includes the step of preparing a solution of a low ionization energy material and coating at least a portion of the mercury capsule. Thereafter, the mercury dispensing capsule is bombarded with a directed stream of electrons produced by the other coil electrode of sufficient energy to rupture the capsule causing the mercury to be released. The coating focuses the directed stream of electrons directly on the capsule, thereby reducing the amount of time necessary to rupture the capsule.

Abstract: In a physical vapor deposition method of thermochemical treatment of metals, the substance of a target which constitutes a first electrode of a treatment furnace is evaporated by ion bombardment optionally assisted by an electrical arc discharge. The particles evaporated in this manner are deposited onto a substrate at the potential of a second electrode which is different from that of the first electrode. The substrate is heated during this deposition to a treatment temperature exceeding 600.degree. C. and preferably between 800.degree. C. and 1,200.degree. C. The target and its ancillary members in the furnace are continuously cooled by a flow of cooling fluid so that when the treatment temperature is reached the material of the target remains solid and the evaporation occurring at the surface of the target is effected by sublimation. The result is to improve the regularity of the deposit, its adherence to the substrate and the treatment time.

Abstract: A cold cathode mercury vapor discharge lamp includes a bulb, a support wire within the bulb, and a cathode electrode having a pair of V-shaped electrode portions mounted in spaced, end to end relationship along the support wire. The electrodes include exterior surfaces facing towards the bulb walls, and interior surfaces facing towards the support wire. Getters are mounted on the exterior surfaces, and mercury discharge units are mounted on the interior surfaces. The two electrode portions are non-overlapping along the support wire.

Abstract: In a high-pressure gas discharge lamp, particularly a high-pressure sodium vapor lamp, comprising a tubular discharge vessel being made of a ceramic material and including electrodes and a filling and ceramic plug elements for closing the end regions of the discharge vessel, receiving a current lead-in connecting the electrode with an outer source of supply voltage, wherein at least one of the plug elements is built up with surface elements of different height levels and determining a cold chamber for receiving the metal additive, the distance between the surface of the metal additive and the current lead-in measured as length of the way determined on the surface elements is at least 4 mm.

Abstract: A high pressure sodium lamp includes a light permeable ceramic bulb wherein a pair of electrodes are oppositely arranged. One of the electrodes is inserted into one end of a metal tube, the other end of which is pinched. The center line average surface roughness of the inner surface of the metal tube is held below 2 .mu.m for preventing melted sodium-mercury amalgam condensed on the inner surface of the other end of the metal tube from moving along the inner surface of the metal tube by capillary action toward the one end thereof.

Abstract: In an arc discharge device, a thin film bridges the gap(s) between adjacent electrodes, thereby enabling the arc discharge to be initiated and sustained by a low voltage D.C. supply. Application of the invention to both light source (e.g., laser) and material working (e.g., metal deposition) embodiments is described. One of the light source embodiments utilizes a cathode electrode which includes a pool of liquid Hg to generate a Hg ion plasma.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high pressure discharge lamp which is provided with a discharge tube containing a pair of electrodes therein and being filled with mercury, an inert gas and a halogen gas, the amount of the mercury filled being 0.12 to 0.35 mg/mm3, the halogen gas being at least one gas selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br and I and being present in an amount of 10?7 to 10?2 ?mol/mm3, and the electrodes being mainly composed of tungsten, and the tungsten as a material of the electrodes contains not more than 12 ppm of potassium oxide (K2O). In such a high pressure discharge lamp, blackening of the discharge tube due to the potassium oxide (K2O) contained in the tungsten, and decrease in illumination maintenance can be prevented, thus providing a high pressure discharge lamp with a long lifetime, a lighting optical apparatus using the high pressure discharge lamp as a light source, and an image display system using the lighting optical apparatus.