Abstract: The present invention provides novel plasma sources useful in the thin film coating arts and methods of using the same. More specifically, the present invention provides novel linear and two dimensional plasma sources that produce linear and two dimensional plasmas, respectively, that are useful for plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The present invention also provides methods of making thin film coatings and methods of increasing the coating efficiencies of such methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel plasma sources useful in the thin film coating arts and methods of using the same. More specifically, the present invention provides novel linear and two dimensional plasma sources that produce linear and two dimensional plasmas, respectively, that are useful for plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The present invention also provides methods of making thin film coatings and methods of increasing the coating efficiencies of such methods.

Abstract: A hot cathode preheating start discharge lamp comprises a lamp tube, a first electrode, a second electrode, a first heating element and a second heating element. The lamp tube has a sealed housing chamber. The first and second electrodes have respectively one end held in the housing chamber and another end connected to a power source. The first and second heating elements are spaced from the first and second electrodes without connecting therewith and have respectively another end connected to a discharge preheating controller or an electronic ballast. Thereby the invention does not need tungsten filaments or electronic powder coated on the tungsten filaments to generate a great amount of electrons like the conventional techniques do. Thus the problems of burnout and fracture of the tungsten filaments or exhaustion of electronic powder can be eliminated, and the lifespan of the lamp tube can be enhanced.

Abstract: A discharge lamp includes a body portion having inner and outer body walls and first and second ends. The inner body wall defines at least part of a cavity located between the first and second ends. First and second end parts have inner end-part and outer end-part walls and a hole extending between the inner end-part wall and the outer end-part wall. The first and second end parts are each located, at least in part, within the cavity and separate from each other so as to maintain a gas under pressure. First and second electrodes are included in the cavity. An antenna has first and second antenna ends and is formed on the outer body wall of the body portion and the outer end-part wall of at least one of the first and second end parts. The antenna is not directly connected to the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dielectric barrier discharge lamp in a coaxial double-tube arrangement, comprising an exterior electrode (6), and interior electrode (7), and an auxiliary electrode (8). The interior electrode (7) is designed as an electrically conductive layer placed inside the interior tube (3) of the double-tube arrangement. The auxiliary electrode (8) is designed, for example, as a metal tube or pipe and is also disposed inside the interior tube (3), specifically in direct contact with the layer. In this manner, the conductivity of the interior electrode (S) is improved.

Abstract: A high-intensity discharge (HID) lamp comprising an inner bulb (1) with a discharge vessel (11) and an outer bulb (2), especially for application in an automotive headlight unit is disclosed. A lamp design is proposed by which high thermal stresses and increased quartz temperatures during run-up and steady state operation of the lamp are avoided so that the light output and the lifetime of the lamp is improved. This is substantially achieved by a positioning of the inner and the outer bulb (1, 2) such that a longitudinal axis of the inner bulb (1) is displaced in the operating position of the lamp above a longitudinal axis of the outer bulb (2) so that the distance between the discharge vessel (11) and the outer bulb (2) at the top side of the lamp is decreased and the distance between both at the bottom side is correspondingly increased.

Abstract: A multi-electrode double tube fluorescent lamp includes first external electrodes formed at two ends of an outer glass tube or an inner glass tube, and a second external electrode formed at an inner wall surface of the inner glass tube in a longitudinal direction. A first power source is connected with the first external electrode, and a second power source is connected with the second external electrode. A third external electrode formed along an outer surface of the outer glass tube is connected with the second power source. The second external electrode and the third external electrode are arranged in a radial shape in a direction vertical with respect to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A discharge lamp disposed in a projecting device is provided. The discharge lamp includes a housing, a discharge vessel and an ultraviolet (UV) source. The discharge vessel having a first axis is filled with a gas and disposed in the housing. The ultraviolet source disposed at a predetermined distance from the first axis for exciting the gas so as to generate a beam.

Abstract: The restrike time for re-light up of an arc discharge lamp may be decreased by including at least one refractory bimetallic start up electrode that provides a shorter arc path intermediate the main arc path in a cool state, but when heated withdraws to have a relatively longer arc path. The longer arc path in the hot state results in a relatively higher path impedance that can be used by itself or in combination with a supplemental impedance device to extinguish the starting arc in favor of the main arc. The withdrawn bimetallic starting electrode then does not interfere with the main arc function.

Abstract: A high-intensity discharge lamp includes a discharge vessel made of an insulator, and a cathode and anode. A V-shaped gap is provided between the anode and a first region of the vessel directly adjacent to where the anode separates from an interior surface of the vessel. A secondary cathode is provided on an exterior surface of the vessel at the first region, where the secondary cathode is positioned so that the V-shaped gap and the first region are between the secondary cathode and the anode. An electric field at the first region produces a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) which generates ultraviolet (UV) and vacuum ultraviolet VUV photons that impinge on the cathode and initiate a breakdown between the cathode and anode.

Abstract: A plasma display and driving method thereof. A median electrode is formed between X and Y electrodes for receiving sustain pulse voltages, and a reset waveform and a scan pulse voltage are applied to the median electrode. A short gap discharge is performed between the X electrode and the median electrode during the initial interval of a sustain interval, and a long gap discharge is performed between the X and Y electrodes during the normal sustain interval to thus perform a stable discharge. The X and Y electrode drivers are realized through comparable circuits since the waveforms applied to the X and Y electrodes are substantially symmetric.

Abstract: The restrike time for re-light up of an arc discharge lamp may be decreased by including at least one refractory bimetallic start up electrode that provides a shorter arc path intermediate the main arc path in a cool state, but when heated withdraws to have a relatively longer arc path. The longer arc path in the hot state results in a relatively higher path impedance that can be used by itself or in combination with a supplemental impedance device to extinguish the starting arc in favor of the main arc. The withdrawn bimetallic starting electrode then does not interfere with the main arc function.

Abstract: A flat fluorescent lamp is provided. Wherein, a discharge gas is disposed in a chamber, and a fluorescent material is disposed on a first inner wall and a second inner wall of the chamber. First electrode sets are disposed on the first inner wall, and second electrode sets aligned with the first electrodes sets are disposed on the second inner wall. A dielectric layer overlies the electrode sets. Each first electrode set comprises two first electrodes and a second electrode disposed between these first electrodes. Each second electrode set comprises two third electrodes and a fourth electrode disposed between these third electrodes. A first light-emitting area and a second light-emitting area are formed in each pair of the corresponding first and second electrode sets, and the projections of the first and second light-emitting areas on the first inner wall are not overlaid or just partially overlaid.

Abstract: An arc discharge lamp (60) contains an arc tube (62) containing an arc generating and sustaining medium. The arc tube (62) has at least one press seal (64). Means (66) for coupling electrical energy to the interior of the arc tube includes an electrical current-carrying frame member (68) and in-leads (68a) and (68b) sealed into the lamp stem (90) and connected to a base (not shown). A starting source (70) comprises a sealed cavity (72) formed in the press seal (64). A second fill material is contained within the sealed cavity (72). The starting source (70) emits ultraviolet radiation when the lamp (60) is energized, which assists in initiation of the arc discharge within the interior of the arc tube (62). An electrical energy coupler (74) is provided for coupling electrical energy to the sealed cavity (72).

Abstract: A short arc discharge lamp has improved starting properties in which there is no danger of damaging the arc tube that surrounds a discharge space and in which the radiant light from the arc tube is not adversely shielded. This is achieved by providing the short arc discharge lamp with a first electrode having an electrical potential and to which a high voltage is applied, and a second electrode opposite the first at a in spaced relationship. Additionally, in the discharge space, there is positioned at least one conductive component with a tip projecting into the discharge space. The conductive component has an electrical potential which is identical to the electrical potential of the first electrode and has a tip spaced a distance from the second electrode which is greater than the distance between the first and the second electrode.

Abstract: A starting aid in combination with a fluorescent lamp is provided. The lamp comprises a glass discharge tube (2) which includes a discharge path and is convoluted to have a plurality of discharge tube legs. These legs extend into and are secured in place in a plastic housing. Lamp electrodes (40, 42) are located at respective end points of a discharge path and disposed in some of the discharge tube legs. The lamp electrodes are connected to means suitable for electrically connecting to a socket. The starting aid comprises an electrical connector disposed in the plastic housing of the florescent lamp. The starting aid has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the means suitable for electrically connecting to the socket. The second end is secured to an end portion of an electrodeless discharge tube leg. At least a part of the electrical connector is formed as a spring. A fluorescent lamp system with a starting aid is also provided.

Abstract: An arc tube for a high intensity discharge lamp comprising a translucent body defining a discharge space and including spaced-apart electrodes; an arc generating and sustaining medium within the discharge space; and a starting aid contained within the discharge space, the starting aid comprising an electrically conductive stripe formed from a mixture of an electrically conductive material and the high temperature material.

Abstract: A low-pressure discharge lamp is described having a base housing (10), a discharge vessel (2), whose end sections are fixed to an end section of the base housing, and a contact-making system for making electrical contact with the lamp, which is located on the end section of the base housing (10) which is remote from the discharge vessel, a conductive section (5) being provided, which is electrically connected to the contact-making system and is arranged adjacent to the discharge vessel (2) in the base housing (10) in such a way that an electrical short circuit is formed around the discharge vessel (2). This makes it possible to reduce the starting voltage of the lamp. As an alternative, or in addition, to this, the cross section of the web attachments is increased, which also increases the rate of the luminous-flux run-up.

Abstract: The gas discharge lamp has a burner, which has a discharge vessel with a void, in which a filling of gas and other substances is disposed. Two electrodes protrude into the void, and between them, in operation of the gas discharge lamp, an electric arc develops. On the outside of the discharge vessel, in the region of the void, two auxiliary electrodes of opposite polarity are disposed facing one another. The auxiliary electrodes are formed by coating the outside of the discharge vessel with electrically conductive material. Prior to and optionally also during the ignition of the gas discharge lamp, high-frequency high voltage is applied to the auxiliary electrodes, which facilitates the ignition of the gas discharge lamp.

Abstract: A discharge lamp device which drives a discharge tube filled with a rare gas and has a first electrode mounted at the inside of the tube and a second electrode mounted at the outside of the tube. The lamp device includes a driving circuit that applies a voltage between the first and second electrodes. The driving circuit applies a positive rectangular wave voltage to the first electrode with a potential of the second electrode being a reference potential (0V) A backlight includes at least one discharge tube and the discharge lamp device.

Abstract: A lamp includes an enclosure with partitions defining a channel having channel segments and/or providing multiple paths for an electrical arc to travel. The channel segments can be implemented by adding additional electrodes in the channel formed by the partitions, by forming a channel where the arc may travel in multiple directions, or by a combination of these methods. The channel segments and multiple directions of arc travel tend to reduce the voltage required to start the lamp.

Abstract: An electric discharge tube withstands a large electric input, and has a small size. This discharge tube provides a small photographic strobe device and a small photographic camera. The discharge tube includes a glass bulb having a wall thickness ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 mm and filled with rare gas, a pair of main electrodes provided at both ends of the glass bulb, respectively, a trigger electrode formed on the outer surface of the glass bulb, and a film of silicon dioxide having a thickness ranging from 0.05 to 0.11 &mgr;m formed inside of the glass bulb. An electric power not larger than 0.90 Ws/mm3 with respect to the inner volume of the glass bulb is applied between the main electrodes.

Abstract: A starting aid for a metal halide lamp uses iodine and an inert gas instead of mercury so that the entire metal halide lamp may be mercury-free. The starting aid is a UV enhancer that includes a UV-transmissive capsule with a cavity in which iodine and an inert gas are sealed, wherein the iodine emits UV radiation when excited to reduce a starting voltage of the lamp.

Abstract: A probe stabilized arc discharge lamp including a base portion, a window spaced from the base portion, a side wall interconnecting the base portion with the window. The side wall, the base portion, and the window define a chamber. A first electrode is disposed vertically in the chamber and extends outwardly through the base portion. A second electrode is also disposed vertically in the chamber and is spaced from the first electrode. The second electrode extends outwardly through the base portion. The first and second electrodes define an arc gap. There is also at least one trigger probe extending to or proximate to the arc gap for triggering an arc in the arc gap. Also, a reflector is disposed about the arc gap for directing radiation generated by the arc out the window. A sparker may also be provided.

Abstract: A flash discharge lamp includes a pair of electrodes i.e. an anode and a cathode, oppositely disposed in at both ends of the glass bulb. An electro-conductive member is provided on the outer surface of the glass tube. A triggering electrode is mounted on the cathode and electrically connected to the electro-conductive member. Xenon gas is sealed in the glass tube. The flash discharge lamp further includes at least one High Temperature Resistant electrode mounted on the cathode and at least one Getter electrode mounted on the cathode and/or the anode. Not only can the above design increase the discharge output power and the discharge frequency, but it also extends the life expectancy of the flash discharge lamp.

Abstract: A integral starting aid for high intensity discharge lamps is provided wherein the starting aid comprises a conductive, refractory metal nitride stripe which is directly applied to the surface of the ceramic arc tube. Preferably, the starting aid comprises titanium nitride or zirconium nitride and may be mixed a ceramic material to improve translucency.

Abstract: A starting aid for a metal halide lamp uses iodine and an inert gas instead of mercury so that the entire metal halide lamp may be mercury-free. The starting aid is a UV enhancer that includes a UV-transmissive capsule with a cavity in which iodine and an inert gas are sealed, wherein the iodine emits UV radiation when excited to reduce a starting voltage of the lamp.

Abstract: To extend the life of electric discharge and enhance the characteristic of electric discharge in the life test in a gas filled switching electric discharge tube.

Abstract: A gaseous-discharge lamp, in particular for motor-vehicle headlamps, includes a burner vessel made of glass or the like that contains a gas. Into this burner vessel extend two main electrodes via two gas-tight electrode bushings. Between the end regions of the main electrodes arranged in the burner vessel, an arc gap is formed, along which an electric arc develops during operation. To achieve a smallest possible ignition voltage, an arrangement is provided for producing a creepage spark gap along the inner vessel wall and/or a spark gap that is shorter than the arc gap, serving as an ignition gap that is spatially separated from the arc gap.

Abstract: In the case of a sodium high-pressure lamp having a ceramic, tubular discharge vessel (1), an electrically conducting starting aid is fitted outside on the discharge vessel. Said aid comprises an axially parallel longitudinal strip (4) of prescribed width B to which a partial circle (6) surrounding the discharge vessel is attached approximately at the level of each electrode (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge lamp whose discharge vessel (1) is pided with a light-transmitting, electrically conductive layer (4) in order to improve the electromagnetic compatibility of the lamp when it is operated from an electronic operating unit. The light-transmitting, electrically conductive layer (4) is advantageously connected to the circuitry-internal ground potential of the operating unit.

Abstract: An illumination device includes a cold cathode fluorescent tube having a heat capacity of 0.035 Wsec/.degree. C. or less per unit length (1 cm) of a glass tube of a fluorescent section of the cold cathode fluorescent tube. The illumination device has a superior operation characteristic at a low temperature. The device is driven by a method and is implemented in a display device.

Abstract: A device suitable for switching large currents includes, within a gas filled envelope, an anode, electrodes and a thermionic cathode. Initially the device holds off a voltage until a triggering pulse is applied to an electrode. This cause an electron current to be established between the thermionic cathode and the anode. When the current reaches a sufficiently large value further conduction through the device occurs via current drawn from the surface of the electrode in a cold cathode mode, bypassing the cathode.

Abstract: HID lamp has a U-enhancer connected between first and second leads for an arc tube. The UV-enhancer has a quartz envelope containing an electrode connected to the first lead, and is surrounded by a metal ring which is spaced from the envelope by a sleeve of borosilicate glass. The ring is capacitively coupled to the envelope and is electrically connected to the second lead, which may also support the sleeve.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp includes a dielectric substrate, a first electrode near the dielectric substrate, a second electrode spaced from the first electrode and near the dielectric substrate, a conductor spaced from the dielectric substrate, and adapted to provide a current return from one of said electrodes to an electrical driver circuit, and at least one metal element near the dielectric substrate. The electrical driver circuit is constructed to produce an electric potential sufficient to cause an electrical breakdown of a medium between the electrodes. The lamp and metal element are also arranged to enable a coolant to flow adjacent to at least one surface of the dielectric substrate to transfer heat from the dielectric substrate to the coolant.

Abstract: A liquid-crystal display arrangement consisting of a liquid-crystal display, a light source constructed as a fluorescent lamp and a heat source which is thermally coupled to the fluorescent lamp. The heat source is formed as an essentially flat sheet on the side of the lamp opposite the display, with the heat source connected is series with a PTC type temperature sensor. In order to achieve a uniform and rapid establishment of the optimum operating temperature of the fluorescent lamp, the heat source is formed by a temperature-controlled foil-type heating element.

Abstract: A discharge lamp or an electrodeless discharge lamp including a discharge gas filled inside a bulb, an electrode part present inside the bulb for emitting thermoelectrons into the discharge gas, and a cesium compound placed in a position other than the electrode part inside the bulb. According to this configuration, this discharge lamp has a short starting delay time even at a low temperature including room temperature, without using any starting auxiliary light source or a radioactive material. The cesium compound is contained on the surface of a metal mesh which is fixed via a supporting arm in a position avoiding the electrode part inside the bulb. It is preferable that the cesium oxide is in contact with the discharge space. In this way, starting property can be improved without using any starting auxiliary light source or a radioactive material. The electrodeless discharge lamp has the cesium compound at an optional position in the discharge space.

Abstract: A gas discharge closing switch, such as a thyratron, has a one-piece ceramic housing containing an anode, a cathode, and a control electrode. The anode and cathode form fluid-tight seals with opposite ends of the housing. The control electrode is mounted entirely within the housing, and, in one embodiment, is affixed to an interior wall of the housing. The housing preferably supports the anode, the cathode and the control electrode, and maintains electrical isolation between them.

Abstract: An improved gas discharge trigger for a pseudogap cold cathode thyratron. Electrical trigger pulses are capacitively coupled through the vacuum envelope wall (16) causing a gas discharge adjacent to the rear of the hollow cathode (26). Coupling apertures (12) between the trigger discharge region and the hollow cathode allow ionization to propagate into the rear of the hollow cathode and trigger the pseudogap from a non conducting to conducting state.

Abstract: A surge absorber has an insulating body having a flat surface on which a pair of electrically conductive thin-film terminal electrodes and, therebetween, one or more electrically conductive thin-film discharge electrodes of a predetermined shape or shapes are formed. Micro discharging gaps are present between each of the terminal electrodes and any of the discharging electrodes adjacent thereto and between any of the discharging electrodes adjacent to each other. The discharging electrodes are typically arranged in a row and column pattern. A thermostatic fuse may be provided on the opposite side of the insulating body from the side of the flat surface on which the terminal and discharge electrodes are present. The substantial part of the surge absorber is hermetically sealed in an enclosure. The enclosure is filled with a gas such as an inert gas.

Abstract: An improved solid state spark gap for use, for example, in firing munitions. The spark gap is formed by depositing a trigger electrode on a dielectric substrate, precisely covering the trigger electrode and an adjoining area with a dielectric layer, and forming an anode and a cathode on the dielectric layer with a spark gap there between. The anode and cathode do not overlap the trigger electrode. The spark gap may be enclosed within a hermetically sealed inert gas filled cover.

Abstract: An arc discharge lamp having an arc tube mounted within a lamp envelope includes a thermal switch for controlling application of electrical energy to a starting electrode. The thermal switch is mounted between the arc tube and the lamp base with its longitudinal axis generally parallel to the central axis of the lamp envelope. The thermal switch is spaced from the central axis of the lamp envelope by a support rod and extends into an annular space between the lamp stem and the wall of the lamp envelope. As a result, the maximum temperature of the thermal switch during lamp operation does not exceed about 400.degree. C.

Abstract: A glow discharge lamp includes a sealed lamp envelope containing a noble gas and mercury, a cathode and an anode disposed in the lamp envelope and an incandescent filament for emitting visible light for illumination immediately upon application of power and for emitting little or no visible light after a glow discharge is formed between the cathode and the anode. The filament, the cathode and the anode are electrically connected in series. The lamp envelope typically includes a phosphor coating for emission of visible light upon absorption of ultraviolet radiation from the glow discharge. An optional switch can be used for disconnecting the filament during steady state operation of the glow discharge lamp.

Abstract: A ballastless high pressure discharge lamp includes an arc tube, electrodes disposed in the arc tube, a column of mercury disposed in the arc tube and having a volume less than the volume of the arc tube, and cushion material disposed in the arc tube adjacent at least one of the electrodes. The cushion material comprises an inert gas impinging upon at least one end of the column of mercury. At least one of the electrodes extends into the column of mercury. The discharge lamp also includes a heating member disposed adjacent the arc tube to separate the column of mercury into two sub-columns by the vaporization of a portion of the mercury column to thereby form a space between the two sub-columns and compress the cushion material and allow one of the mercury sub-columns to engage one of the electrodes whereby to form an arc in the space between the two sub-columns of mercury.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a high voltage switch utilizing first and second terminal electrodes and an intermediate electrode disposed therebetween. A high voltage pulse, applied to the intermediate electrode, initiates sequential overvoltaging of the region between one of the terminal electrodes and the intermediate electrode and, then between the intermediate electrode and the other electrode; thereby permitting electrical current to flow between the terminal electrodes. The geometry of the electrodes is chosen so as to yield a field enhancement factor between each region which is sufficiently low to permit highly reliable, predictable, and controllable sequential electrical breakdown.

Abstract: A high pressure sodium arc tube assembly includes a light-transmitting arc tube containing a fill material including sodium and mercury, a pair of electrodes sealed in opposite ends of the arc tube, and a filament or other resisitive member located within the arc tube and extending between opposite ends thereof. The filament is electrically connected to the electrodes. The filament provides a sufficient electric field and an abundance of electrons dispersed throughout the discharge region to initiate an arc discharge when the electrodes are energized. The filament is selected to produce an electric field in the discharge region prior to initiation of arc discharge of at least 20 volts per centimeter. After an arc discharge is initiated, the voltage between the electrodes drops, and the filament is partially short-circuited by the arc discharge. The filament provides fast initial starting and fast hot restarting, while eliminating the requirement for high voltage starting pulses.

Abstract: A particular gas mixture (90% N.sub.2 +10% Xe) in a triggerable spark gap discharger is disclosed which allows the spark gap to be triggered with a low main-gap voltage over a much wider range of trigger voltages (e.g., 16-30 or more kV), than with nitrogen (e.g., 19-22 kV) or other commonly used gases and mixtures. The improvement is important where triggerable spark gaps are used in protective circuits.

Abstract: A spark gap device includes planar electrodes between which in operation a discharge occurs. The electrodes are spaced apart by a ceramic member and are arranged in substantially parallel, different, planes. A trigger electrode is included for switching the device into conduction. The device has a low inductance structure which is compatible with stripline circuits. In another embodiment of the invention the planar electrodes and the trigger electrode are located in the same plane on a common substrate.

Abstract: A monolithic microwave integrated circuit is enclosed within an ionizable gas filled housing having a terminal protection device integral with the circuit's substrate. A photon generating region extends within the substrate and along a portion of the surface area of the substrate for facilitating the ionizing of the gas. First and second electrodes, in contact with the substrate surface area and disposed on opposite sides of the photon generating region, have a plurality of cantilevered protrusions extending over the surface of the substrate and equally spaced from one another forming spark-gaps therebetween. One electrode is connected to an input to the device while the other is connected to ground.

Abstract: A thyratron includes a grid structure in which a grid element has a plurality of apertures therethrough, each of the apertures comprising two arcuate portions at different distances from the center of the grid which are connected by a radial portion. Thus a large grid area may be provided without detrimentally affecting voltage hold-off, jitter or mechanical soundness.