Abstract: A hollow cathode discharge tube is used for atomic absorption analysis. The tube has a cathode which includes a first hollow portion and a second hollow portion connected to each other. The second hollow portion has a diameter greater than the first hollow portion and a close end. Inserted through the closed end is a rod-like anode which has a part within the hollow space of the cathode. There is a auxiliary electrode which can be an auxiliary anode that surrounds the rod-like anode and is insulated therefrom. There is an additional electrode which can be an auxiliary cathode at the front end portion of the cathode. The cathode is formed of a material that is a material or includes a material that is to be analyzed.

Abstract: A fluorescent lighting system that includes a gas containment vessel having an internal phosphor coating and containing an ionizable gas, field concentrator electrodes supported inside or outside the gas containment vessel, and an RF power source coupled directly or capacitively to the field concentrator electrodes.

Abstract: In a gas discharge display element according to the present invention, two pairs of electrodes are arranged in a discharge space of a display cell and one of the electrode pairs which forms a first discharge space between the first electrodes is driven such that discharge having a memory function and capable of being memory-driven is produced during a time in which light emission of the display cell is sustained. The other electrode pair is driven with a voltage pulse having duration smaller than that of the driving voltage pulse for the first electrode pair such that discharge a is obtained in the other space defined between the electrodes of the other electrode pair using the discharge in the first space as a seed discharge. The duration of the drive pulse for the second electrode pair preferably terminates before the discharge current is reduced due to the formation of a wall charge.

Abstract: Low-power, high-pressure discharge lamps, that is lamps having a power rag below and up to about 400 W, have a quartz discharge vessel retaining a metal halide fill which, to obtain a color temperature between 2700.degree. to 3400.degree. C. contains sodium and tin. To prevent deterioration of the electrode head (19; 39; 59), it is formed in essentially cylindrical or frusto-conical outer contour, which has a mass determined by the formula M=i.sub.L .times.(23.+-.8), and is retained on an electrode pin or shaft (17; 38; 58) having a diameter (d) in millimeters ##EQU1## wherein i.sub.L is the effective value of the lamp current in amperes. Preferably, the electrode head (19) extends beyond the end portion of the electrode pin to define a small depression with respect thereto. The particular shape and dimension of the electrode head and the electrode shaft reduces flicker and electrode burning.

Abstract: An AC operated glow lamp having a cathode electrode and a pair of anode electrodes driven from a capacitively ballasted autotransformer that provides phase inversion so as to enable a full wave rectification of the discharge current thus operating in a DC regime from an AC line. The double anode lamp and ballast circuitry provides for rapid lamp starting as well as continuous cathode heating during lamp operation.

Abstract: An arc discharge device is formed by two electrodes which are hermetically sealed within a glass tube filled with an inert gas. One electrode is cup shaped, with an open end. The other electrode enters the open end and approaches the bottom of the cup shape. The distance are such that the arc discharge occurs between the bottom of the cup and the end of the other electrode. The side wall of the cup shields the arc.

Abstract: A glow discharge starter having an hermetically sealed envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode including a bimetallic element, and a counter electrode. The bimetallic element has a free end adapted to form first and second discharge gaps with the counter electrode. The first discharge gap has a spacing which varies during operation of the glow discharge starter. The spacing of the second discharge gap remains relatively constant. Problems associated with high ambient temperatures can be overcome by increasing the initial spacing of the first discharge gap without affecting the electrical breakdown voltage of the glow discharge starter. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the free end of the bimetallic element has a first portion substantially parallel to the counter electrode and a second portion substantially perpendicular to the counter electrode. Preferably, the initial spacing of the first discharge gap measured at 25 degrees Celsius is within the range of from about 0.

Abstract: An arc tube for a horizontally burning metal halide lamp having electrodes disposed below the axis of a generally cylindrical arc tube with an asymmetric pinch about the electrodes.

Abstract: Electrodes for a single ended arc discharge tube in which the electrodes diverging from the foil leads are generally concave towards each other between the lead-in wire ribbons and the free ends thereof from which the arc is drawn, the electrodes being spaced apart a greater distance at the point of entering the envelope than the distance between the ribbons.

Abstract: A gas discharge device having the characteristic of low discharge voltage, the construction being such that the cathode is surrounding the discharge space of the anode. A barrier and the cathode are each alternately formed with different height portions; also, said cathode forms a half-circle groove surrounding the discharge space of said anode; said barrier forms a similar groove sidewardly adjoining the cathode groove; and wholly, said discharge space is oriented transversely relative to the anode.

Abstract: A glow discharge lamp includes a light-transmitting envelope containing a rare gas fill material. The envelope contains a spherical-shaped region having a predetermined internal radius R. A phosphor coating is disposed on the inner surface of the envelope. Anode and cathode electrodes are disposed within the envelope and spaced a predetermined distance d thereapart. The voltage drop of the cathode electrode is less than the excitation potential of the rare gas fill material. The anode electrode has a predetermined effective surface area S.sub.a such that the relationship Rd/S.sub.a is within the range of from about 5.0 to 11.0.

Abstract: A glow discharge lamp that includes a light transmitting envelope containing a noble gas fill material and a pair of electrodes disposed in the envelope. Lead-in wires coupled to the electrodes and extend to and are hermetically sealed in the envelope The electrodes are disposed in oppositely spaced positions in the envelope preferably upper and lower positions with the electrodes positioned outside of the bulbous region of the envelope to thereby retard the formation of deposits at the main bulbous region of the envelope.

Abstract: A single end-sealed type metal vapor discharge lamp includes an arc tube having a bulb made up of a discharge portion defining a discharge region and a sealing portion with a shoulder portion situated adjacent to the discharge portion. A pair of electrodes have a pair of mutually opposite electrode portions on an upper end of each of the pair, the electrodes extending from the sealing portion toward the discharge region. An outer tube encloses the arc tube in which a cross-sectional configuration of the bulb has a point of inflection at a boundary between the discharge portion and the sealing portion. A straight line l connecting a center of one electrode portion to that of the other electrode potion makes an angle of 15.degree.-45.degree. with respect to a straight line L connecting the point of inflection to a midpoint of the straight line l. The shoulder portion is located at a side opposite to that, on which the straight line l exists with the straight line L as a reference.

Abstract: This invention provides an illumination device capable of producing large animated displays using glowing neon or other noble gases without the need for a source of high voltage as is required in normal neon signs. By means of large numbers of electrode pairs, gas discharge across the gas passage rather than along the gas passage enables low voltages to excite the flowing gas discharge while still giving the appearance of the continuous discharge seen in normal neon signs. The use of mixtures of luminescent phosphors of different luminescent decay times allows the hue of the illumination device to be electrically controlled by means of the frequency with which the discharge is excited. The controlled, sequential activation of any given electrode pair further allows the illumination device to give the appearance of animation, and the use of front and rear mirrors enables an infinite series of multiple, animated, illuminated images to be displayed.

Abstract: A hooked arc discharge lamp electrode may be formed with electrodes slanting towards each other and towards the electrode roots. The hooking back of the electrode tips forms a gap between the electrode tip and the electrode shaft that prevents the arc from wandering across. The arc is then confined to a small area from the electrode tip area on the side away from the gap. The arc is prevented from wandering down the electrode shafts away from the optically ideal location, and to a potentially destructive position adjacent the envelope wall.

Abstract: A metal vapor discharge lamp has an envelope formed of a vitreous high temperature resistant material. A pair of electrodes each has a metal rod and an arc supporting electrode. The metal rods are sealed at one end of the envelope. The envelope is filled with a starting gas and a charge. The present invention also includes insulating films formed on the envelope behind the arc supporting electrodes to increase the vapor pressure of the charge, and improve output and the spectral color distribution.

Abstract: To improve the heat distribution of the electrodes within a high-pressure discharge vessel, particularly a vehicle (1) of quartz glass having a fill of mercury, a noble gas, and an additive which includes a metal or metal halide, especially, for good color rendition, tin which attacks the electrodes, the electrodes (4, 5) are pinch-sealed through the quartz glass envelope and include a parallel shaft portion (15, 17, 21) to which pin elements (16, 18, 19) are attached, for example by welding, which have a cross-sectional area larger, preferably by a factor of between 1.5 to 3, than the cross-sectional area of the shaft portion, to obtain high heat capacity of the electrodes while minimizing heat transfer to the pinch or press seal of the electrodes through the quartz glass vessel (2) via the shaft portions.

Abstract: To improve the heat distribution of single-ended metal-halide high-pressure discharge lamps, and particularly lamps in which the fill is apt to attack a helically wound electrode (4) facing a similar electrode (5) within a discharge vessel (2), the end portions of the electrodes have a mandrel or pin element (17) located within a plurality of coiled windings (16), such that the coiled windings of the electrodes surround the mandrel or pin elements (17). Preferably, the mandrel is made of thorium dioxide-doped tungsten, and the electrodes includes an electrode shaft portion (15) pinch-sealed through the quartz-glass vessel. The shaft portions are unitary with the coiled windings (16) and are made of undoped, essentially pure tungsten.

Abstract: The high-power radiator comprises a discharge space (12) bounded by a metal electrode (8), cooled on one side, and a dielectric (9). The discharge space (12) is filled with a noble gas or gas mixture. Both the dielectric (9) and the other electrode situated on the surface of the dielectric (9) facing away from the discharge space (12) are transparent for the radiation generated by quiet electric discharges. In this manner, a large-area UV radiator with high efficiency is created which can be operated at high electrical power densities of up to 50 kW/m.sup.2 of active electrode surface.

Abstract: A high performance hollow cathode lamp comprises an common anode and an open-ended hollow cylinder as primary cathode consisting of a selected element adapted to produce a primary electric discharge, which give rise to an atomic vapor of said element by cathode sputtering from the primary cathode, between the anode and the primary cathode. An auxiliary cathode in form of hollow cylinder with one or two open ends is provided to produce a secondary electric discharge. A shielding tube covering the anode and the primary cathode serves to constrain the electron stream of the secondary discharge extending from the auxiliary cathode to the common anode to pass through the primary cathode to excite further the atoms in the vapor to emit radiation characteristic of said element.

Abstract: A plasma generator for exciting electrons in the plasma to a uniform energy evel. In a perferred embodiment, two sets of mutually perpendicular electrodes surround a container of gas, with one set being driven through a ninety degree phase shifter to establish a circularly polarized field in the space within the container. Alternative means are disclosed for launching circularly polarized RF waves into the container of gas. A desired level of uniform electron energy is achieved by establishing the proper relationship between the frequency and magnitude of the applied circularly polarized field and the mean free path of the electrons in the plasma.

Abstract: To provide for a long electrode shaft, which insures rapid and reliable sting of the lamp, the electrodes are formed with a straight shaft portion extending from a pinch or press seal (8) and then twisted into a loop (20, 21) which terminates in discharge tips (18, 19), facing each other across the center line of the lamp. The loops, preferably, include a circular portion of about 270.degree., with a radius of greater than the radius of the diameter of the wires--typically of tungsten--and offset with respect to the electrode shaft so that, at cross-over points (24, 25) the looped portion (20, 21) of the respective electrode and the straight or shaft portion (22, 23) of the electrode do not touch each other; a very small spacing, for example 0.05 mm, with electrode wires of 0.2 mm diameter, is sufficient.

Abstract: The high-pressure discharge lamp has oppositely arranged electrodes of wound tungsten wire. The electrodes are the mirror images of one another and are arranged in the mirror image orientations of one another. The electrodes are free from material favoring electron emission. The form and the mutual relation of the electrodes prevent the lamp from flickering during operation in a position in which a straight line through these electrodes is horizontal.

Abstract: A self starter neon lamp is provided and contains a screw-in base to fit conventional screw sockets, substitutes neon gas for mercury and argon gas and utilizes flat metal ring-shaped cathodes within. In a modification the lamp is in a U-shaped configuration and utilizes two sets of curved flat metal ring-shaped cathodes within to enhance arc discharge therethrough.

Abstract: A metal halide lamp provides exceptional color rendition because of a high calcium iodide partial pressure. A long-arc ellipsoidal arc tube provides a high "cold spot" temperature. The method of manufacture of the lamp includes heating the arc tube tubulation while burning the lamp after dosing, and then an evacuation step to eliminate moisture due to the hygroscopic calcium iodide.

Abstract: A short-arc lamp of the type having an internally integral reflector including electrodes mounted to extend along a central axis of symmetry of the lamp and having distal ends of similar shape which are spaced apart to define a short-arc gap such that the lamp can be directly driven by alternating current.

Abstract: A line-of-sight arched arc tube of an arc discharge lamp; e.g., a metal halide arc discharge lamp for horizontal operation having an arched upper wall to accommodate the bowing of the arc discharge during full temperature and pressure operation of the lamp and a lower wall of lesser curvature to accommodate the arc discharge during lamp start and warm-up. The curvature of the lower wall is such that there is a straight line-of-sight between the primary electrodes without being impeded by the lower wall of the arc tube and such that temperature profiles over the body of the arc tube are optimized during full temperature and pressure operation of the lamp.

Abstract: A miniature, low-wattage, discharge lamp operable on direct current employs substantially parallel electrodes sealed in a single press seal. The electrodes are configured to provide an arc which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lamp with the cathode being substantially longer than the anode. Heat generated at the anode is dissipated through the seal to the cathode allowing the cathode to operate hot enough to be stable. The chemical fill for the lamp employs a mol ratio of thorium to cesium to permit good light output and good color rendition.

Abstract: A D.C. operable, miniature, low-wattage, single ended, arc discharge lamp. The cathode electrode includes electrical field modifying means to insure that the arc strikes between the electrode tips. During high pressure (.about.10 atm) operation electrode heating of the anode is dominated by electron bombardment, which creates substantially higher heat at the anode tip than at the cathode tip (the cathode being heated by ion bombardment and cooled by thermionic electron emission). Heat conducted down the anode electrode is dissipated in the single press and contributes to the heat conduction in the closely adjacent cathode electrode thereby reducing the net heat loss therein and helping to maintain the desired cathode temperature.

Abstract: A flat-panel gas discharge cathodoluminescent display includes a plurality of mutually parallel, electron-transmissive accelerator electrodes respectively connected to sources of high positive voltage levels to increase the acceleration voltage of the display without causing ionization of the gas.