Abstract: A UV system for irradiating a substrate includes a lamphead having an enclosure with an interior. A UV bulb is positioned in the interior and is capable of emitting UV energy when excited by RF energy. The UV system also includes a solid state RF source capable of generating the RF energy. The RF energy is transmitted to the UV bulb, which causes the UV bulb to ignite and emit the UV energy from the interior of the lamphead.

Abstract: A shine-through, low pressure discharge, hydrogen lamp has a metallic housing structure shielding the discharge space in a lamp bulb filled with hydrogen. In this lamp a diaphragm (4) made of electrically insulating material is fixed in the metallic housing part (2) which is to face a visible light source.

Abstract: A low pressure discharge lamp with a double helix shape comprises a lamp base and an envelope connected to the lamp base. The envelope has a phosphor coating on an interior surface thereof, and contains a gas fill energizable to a discharge state by electrical voltage. The envelope includes discharge tube sections which are wound about a longitudinal axis and fitted into each other as a double-start thread. The discharge tube sections have first end portions and second end portions. The first end portions are closer to the lamp base and each have a gas-tight sealing and electrodes in the sealing for receiving the electric voltage. The second end portions are farther off the lamp base and each have a gas-tight sealing. These second end portions are bent inwards from a pitch of the helix and extend next to each other spaced apart by a clearance. A passage is formed between said second end portions. The passage is spaced apart by a distance from the sealing of each said second end portion.

Abstract: Display panel comprising two plates, separated by a gas-filled space partitioned by separating elements forming an array of barrier ribs, and arrays of coplanar sustain electrodes and address electrodes; with each cell subdivided into a trigger zone at each of the intersections of an address electrode with a sustain electrode and into at least one coplanar discharge expansion zone that extends between the trigger zones, the array of barrier ribs is designed so that, in each cell, each coplanar expansion zone has a width that is less than the width of all the trigger zones. By applying a method of driving the sustain discharges in the display panel by matrix triggering, the luminous efficiency is very substantially improved.

Abstract: A gas discharge tube which generates discharge between an anode 24 and a cathode 56 disposed within a sealed container 12 in which a gas is sealed, includes a cylindrical part 28 restricting the discharge path, the cylindrical part being disposed between the anode and the cathode and having a through hole 42 for narrowing the discharge path between the anode and the cathode, and a discharge shielding part 50 which is disposed so as to cover a surrounding of the part restricting the discharge path and is electrically insulated from the part restricting the discharge path, wherein the part restricting the discharge path has a cathode side end projecting by a predetermined projecting amount more than a surface on the cathode side of the discharge shielding part and an anode side end projecting into a space 62 on the side where the anode is positioned so that a high-density electron region is formed only in a part on the cathode side of the through hole of the part restricting the discharge path to reliably gener

Abstract: In a gas discharge tube there is carried out narrowing of the discharge path with cooperation of the first opening 20 and second opening 12 in order to obtain higher luminance of light. Further, in order to maintain excellent starting-properties of a lamp even if the discharge path is narrowed, a predetermined voltage is applied to a second discharge path limit portion 11 externally. Thereby, a positive or active starting discharge is produced in such a manner as to pass through the first opening 20. Further, the second opening 12 is comprised of not only a straight section 13 extending in a direction of an optical axis Y, but also a spread section 14 extending from an end portion of the straight section 13 toward the first opening 20.

Abstract: A flat fluorescent lamp includes a lamp body and an external electrode. The lamp body includes a plurality of discharge spaces. Each of the discharge spaces includes a first discharge region having a first space width and a first space length, a second discharge region having a second space width and a second space length, and a third discharge region having a third space width and third space length. The second discharge region is disposed between the first and third discharge regions. The second space width is smaller than the first and third space widths, and the second space length is smaller than the first and third space lengths. Thus, an electrode part of the flat fluorescent lamp is prevented from being blackened due to dendrite generated at the electrode part, so that the display quality of the liquid crystal display device having the flat fluorescent lamp can be improved.

Abstract: In a gas discharge tube, a first discharge path-induction portion is arranged between a first discharge path-limit portion and a second discharge path-limit portion. A voltage is applied to the first discharge path-induction portion from the outside. As a result, an active starting discharge capable of passing through a first opening of the first discharge path-limit portion is produced between a cathode portion and the first discharge path-induction portion. As a consequence, there is facilitated the discharge at a starting time to pass through a second opening. As a consequence, there is achieved a rapid starting of discharge between the cathode portion and an anode portion.

Abstract: A gas discharge tube 10 of the present invention generates an electric discharge between an anode part 24 and a cathode part 52 disposed inside a sealed container 12 in which gas has been sealed. The gas discharge tube 10 includes an electric discharge path restricting part 28 which is cylindrical and disposed between the anode part and the cathode part, and which has a throughhole 46 for narrowing an electric discharge path between the anode part and the cathode part; and a supporting part 30 which supports the electric discharge path restricting part and which is electric insulating. The electric discharge path restricting part is provided at its tip portion with a projecting part 44 which is cylindrical and projects toward the cathode part side. Letting the outer diameter and height of the projecting part 44 be “D” and “H,” respectively, then D/H is in the range of 0.5 to 2.0. With this structure, it is possible to generate an intense electric field in the vicinity of the tip of the projecting part.

Abstract: A surface light source device includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a hollow electrode. The second substrate is combined with the first substrate to form a plurality of discharge spaces. The second substrate includes a plurality of recesses. The hollow electrode is disposed in each of the discharge spaces under the recesses of the second substrate, respectively. The surface light source device further includes an external electrode disposed on a lower surface of the first substrate corresponding to the hollow electrode. The external electrodes are on an outer surface of the lamp body, and are partially overlapped with the discharge spaces. The hollow electrode may have a rectangular tube or other suitable shape. As a result of the foregoing construction, the life span of the surface light source device may increase, and the light emitting efficiency may similarly increase.

Abstract: A gas discharge tube 10 of the present invention generates an electric discharge between an anode part 24 and a cathode part 56 disposed inside a sealed container 12 in which gas has been contained. The gas discharge tube 10 comprises an electric discharge path restricting part 28 which is cylindrical and disposed between the anode part and the cathode part, and which has a throughhole 42 for narrowing an electric discharge path between the anode part and the cathode part; and an electric discharge shielding part 50 which is disposed to surround the electric discharge path restricting part so as to restrict an electric discharge from the outer peripheral surface of the electric discharge path restricting part to the cathode part, and which is electrically isolated from the electric discharge path restricting part.

Abstract: A multi-tube fluorescent discharge lamp, which is constructed of multiple glass tubes of different caliber in coaxial structure, the both sides of the inner most tube are connected to a cathode respectively, by isolating, perforating and blocking the discharge path, forming a successive discharge path, and coating phosphor on surface of the discharge tubes. The Invention can then have more fluorescent area than a conventional fluorescent lamp of the similar size and higher lumen as well as power transfer factor. Compared with the power consumption of a conventional fluorescent discharge lamp, the Invention therefore has higher luminous flux.

Abstract: The gas discharge tube in accordance with the present invention comprises at least two electrically conductive aperture members disposed within a thermoelectron transmission path between a cathode and an anode, and an insulator for electrically insulating the electrically conductive aperture members from each other, thereby being able to emit light with a high luminance. Its startability at the time of emitting light can be enhanced in particular when the aperture area of the electrically conductive aperture member on the downstream side in the thermoelectron transmission path is set favorably.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a visual lightning effect includes a first chamber and a second chamber, where a passageway connects the first chamber and the second chamber. An inert gas is provided within the first chamber, the second chamber, and the passageway. A first contact is located external to the first chamber; and a second contact is located external to the second chamber, wherein an electrode provides a charge to the second contact, wherein the charge causes an electrical discharge between the second contact and the first contact via channels provided by fill material located within the second chamber that traverses the passageway to the first chamber, thereby resulting in the brilliant visual lightning effect.

Abstract: In order to obtain light of a high luminance in a gas discharge tube of the present invention, a discharge path is narrowed by a first opening 18 and a second opening 13 in collaboration. Further, in order to provide favorable startability in a lamp even when the discharge path is narrowed, a predetermined voltage is applied from the outside to first and second discharge path limiting portions 16, 12. As a result, an active starting discharge which is capable of passing through the first and second openings is produced between a cathode portion 20 and the first and second discharge path limiting portions 16, 12, and thus discharge between the cathode portion 20 and an anode portion 8 is started speedily.

Abstract: A flat lamp for emitting light to a surface area of a liquid crystal display device includes a bottom having a channel uniformly crossing an entire surface of the bottom, an arc-discharging gas is disposed within the channel, a cover disposed upon an upper junction surface of the bottom, the cover is coated with a fluorescent material, and an electric field generating means for generating an electric field, wherein the electric field generating means is placed along opposing lateral sides of the channel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fluorescent lamp with a discharge vessel enclosing a discharge path and containing a gas fill. The gas fill may be by excited by a discharge arc. The discharge vessel has at least two sections located adjacent to each other. There are bypass means for providing a bypass path for the gas discharge during a startup of the lamp between the two adjacent sections of the discharge vessel. The bypass path results in a short-cut across the impedance of a portion of the discharge path. A method for starting a discharge arc of the fluorescent lamp is also disclosed. In the method, a voltage is applied between two electrodes across the discharge path, and a bypass path is provided between two ends of a bypassed part of the discharge path. The discharge path is divided into a bypassed part and a remaining part.

Abstract: There is provided a cold cathode fluorescent lamp including a transparent tube including first and second light-emitting areas defined by partitioning an inner space of the transparent tube, a first terminal electrode positioned in the first light-emitting area and at a longitudinal end of the first light-emitting area located closer to an end of the tube, a second terminal electrode positioned in the second light-emitting area and at a longitudinal end of the second light-emitting area located closer to the other end of the tube, a first intermediate electrode positioned in the first light-emitting area and at the other longitudinal end of the first light-emitting area, a second intermediate electrode positioned in the second light-emitting area and at the other longitudinal end of the second light-emitting area, a first lead-in wire connected to the first terminal electrode through the longitudinal end of the first light-emitting area, a second lead-in wire connected to the second terminal electrode through

Abstract: An improved baffle (24) for directing the light discharged from a deuterium lamp includes a plate-like member configured as a cylindrical segment (25), an aperture (27) provided through a central portion (26) of the member, and a flattened portion (26) about the aperture. The flattened portion is of such size and has a surface of such reflectivity as to substantially eliminate interference ring(s) of discontinuous light intensity from the light output of the lamp. A deuterium employing the improved baffle affords the advantage of markedly-increased light intensity, as compared with prior art baffles, at selected wavelengths.

Abstract: A plasma display panel includes a light-transmittable first substrate, a plurality of first electrodes provided in correspondence with pixels on the first substrate and partition walls provided on the first substrate so that each of the partition walls surrounds at least a part of one of the first electrodes. A Fluorescent layer is formed at a portion surrounded by the partition wall where the first electrode is located in such a manner that the first electrode surrounded by the partition wall is exposed by curing and baking a fluorescent ink having a photo-setting resin and an illuminant as its main ingredients. A light-transmittable second substrate is arranged in contact with the partition wall oppositely to the first substrate, and light-transmittable or opaque second electrodes are arranged on the second substrate oppositely to the first electrodes.

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 end-viewed vapor discharge lamp having a differential temperature control structure that removes heat more effectively from a base end of the lamp than from the light emitting output end of the lamp. The lamp envelope which contains an excitable vapor, such as mercury, includes a small bore capillary tube with a window at one end. A large bore extension contiguous with the capillary tube and a parallel second tube contain electrodes for providing a discharge in the capillary tube. A thermally conductive shell surrounds and is spaced apart from sides of the envelope and is partly filled with a thermally conductive material around the base end of the envelope. The output end around the capillary tube is free of this material. Heat conduction is better at the base end so that the capillary tube runs hotter, inhibiting condensation of vapor and giving a stable light output. An optional heater pad may be provided around the shell for maintaining an optimal temperature for maximum light output.

Abstract: A circular fluorescent lamp has a fluorescent tube of a generally circular shape having electrodes fixed gastight in both of its ends respectively to enclose inert gas and mercury therein. A cap is mounted to bridge between the tube ends. The fluorescent tube has an oval section taken along a line perpendicular with respect to its axis. The rate of ovalness y/x, representing the ratio between the larger tube diameter y and the smaller tube diameter x of the tube sectional shape, preferably lies within the range of 1.10 to 1.30.

Abstract: A low pressure discharge lamp, particularly a compact fluorescent lamp, having a plurality of constricting portions axially spaced apart and extending about the circular periphery of the envelope. The constricting portions, which include defined end segments projecting within the envelope, constrict the plasma discharge and spatially separate at least one of the discharge processes occurring within the plasma discharge and cause the separated process to take place in a different portion within the envelope so that the conditions for energy input and energy dissipation may be independently optimized.

Abstract: A low pressure arc discharge tube having structural means located within the envelope for causing a positive shift in the volt-ampere characteristic curve of the arc discharge tube. The shift in the volt-ampere curve causes a decrease in the impedance necessary to stabilize and ballast the discharge.

Abstract: A gas discharge lamp for emitting vacuum UV radiation, comprising a lamp body filled at low pressure with a gas capable of emitting radiation in the vacuum UV range (e.g., argon), electrodes within the lamp body for passing an electric field across the gas, a crystalline window (e.g., lithium fluoride) in the body for transmitting the vacuum UV radiation emitted by the gas, wherein the crystalline window is constructed of a material that, when exposed to the vacuum UV radiation emitted by the gas, forms color centers that block transmission of the radiation through the window, and a bleaching element located within the lamp body for emitting color-center bleaching radiation in response to the electric field degrading emission of the vacuum UV radiation, the bleaching radiation being in a frequency band (e.g., 5-6 eV) lower than the vacuum UV radiation.

Abstract: An arc discharge lamp having a sealed envelope including a major body portion and at least one minor transverse end portion. A non-specular light diffusing surface is axially located between the minor transverse end portion and one of the lamp electrodes. A phosphor layer within the sealed envelope subtends the major body portion of the envelope. The surface brightness of the phosphor layer as viewed through the minor transverse end portion of the envelope is greater than the intensity of the external surface brightness of the phosphor layer on the major body portion of the envelope during operation of the lamp. A lamp array for use as an element in a picture display is also disclosed including a plurality of sealed envelopes. In the case of a color presentation of information, one picture element is composed of three sealed envelopes phosphor coated with the primary colors red, green and blue.

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 compact fluorescent lamp composed of at least four tubes having their ends hermetically sealed in receptacles. Two of the tubes have electrodes sealed therein and passages formed in the receptacle connect the other ends of the tubes to complete the arc path.

Abstract: A discharge lamp with high intensity and high local stability is disclosed, which is suitable for use as a light source in a visibility meter. A light receiver also suitable for use in a visibility meter is disclosed. The discharge lamp has a discrete anode chamber and a discrete cathode chamber which are both filled with gas and which are interconnected via a capillary tube. One end of the capillary tube is adjacent a cathode located within the cathode chamber, while the other end of the capillary tube projects forwardly of a region in which the anode is adjacent the capillary tube. Plasma is confined within the capillary tube, resulting in high local stability and high intensity light output. The light receiver utilizes a photosensitive element and an electrical filter which is so designed that response of the light receiver is calibrated to include or coincide with that portion of the visible light spectrum which carries maximum energy.

Abstract: It is known that electrical discharges in capillary tubing shows a positive volt-ampere characteristic even for low pressure gas fills. In contrast, conventional fluorescent lamps exhibit a negative volt-ampere characteristic and, accordingly, require special ballast circuits for operation. In the present invention, a fluorescent lamp comprises a plurality of discharge tube sections which are connected by capillary tube sections to provide the necessary ballasting action to prevent lamp current runaway. In one embodiment of the present invention, the ballastless lamp is configured in a compact configuration which may include much simpler ballast components configured in a package similar to a conventional screw-in incandescent lamp.

Abstract: A microwave generated electrodeless lamp using a single magnetron, and an improved lamp envelope therefor. An elongated lamp envelope containing a plasma forming medium is disposed in a microwave chamber comprised of a reflector and mesh. The reflector includes a pair of coupling slots, each of which is disposed equidistant from the ends of the lamp envelope. A waveguide means is provided which has a wall which is comprised of a portion of the reflector which includes the slots, and has means for introducing microwave energy thereto at an area equidistant from the two slots so that the energy couples equally to the slots. When the frequency of the microwave energy and chamber dimensions are arranged so that a symmetrical standing wave exists in the chamber, a balanced system results wherein after a short start-up period, approximately equal light output is obtained from the respective ends of the lamp envelop.

Abstract: A segmented discharge tube device is provided, particularly for the discharge tube of a laser, in which a number of electrically isolated aluminium segments presenting a passage through which plasma may pass are located within an aluminium tube with heat conductive electrically insulating material in the form of anodization between the outer surfaces of the segments and the adjacent inner surfaces of the tube.