Abstract: A discharge lamp of the short arc type which has an arc tube in which there is a pair of opposed electrodes, a pair of hermetically sealing parts which extend outward from opposite ends of the arc tube, and a trigger wire, each end of which is wound around one of the hermetically sealing parts, with a middle area of the trigger wire running along the outside surface of the arc tube. In the area of at least one of the ends of the trigger wire, a bend is formed which comes to rest on one of the hermetically sealing parts, and following this bend, a fold is formed at the outer end area of the end of the trigger wire.

Abstract: A Plasma Display Panel (PDP) has a high aperture ratio of a discharge cell, a high light transmittance, and a high luminous efficiency and a stable and efficient discharge occurs uniformly at a low driving voltage on inner sidewalls of the discharge cell and concentrates in the center of the discharge cell.

Abstract: A cold cathode fluorescent tube where an electron emitting electrode is sealed in shows much deterioration in the luminance with time, thereby being not adequate for a long time use. The electrode emitting electrode is formed in such a shape that an electric field is not locally concentrated. By mixing a material of high heat conductivity, such as tungsten, as the material for the electron emitting electrode or using helium of high heat conductivity as the sealing gas, a long life of the cold cathode fluorescent tube is achieved.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge lamp is disclosed, which comprises a discharge vessel having a principal axis. The discharge vessel encloses a discharge volume filled with a discharge gas. The discharge vessel further comprises end portions intersected by the principal axis. At least one electrode of a first type and at least one electrode of a second type are used in the lamp. The electrodes of one type are energized to act as a cathode and the electrodes of other type are energized to act as an anode. The electrodes are substantially straight, elongated electrodes with a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the principal axis of the discharge vessel. At least one of the electrodes is positioned within the discharge volume, and the electrodes of at least one type are isolated from the discharge volume by a dielectric layer. At least one of the electrodes inside the discharge volume is provided with an outer luminescent layer.

Abstract: A plasma display panel comprising a first substrate and a second substrate provided opposing one another with a predetermined gap therebetween, display electrodes formed on the first substrate, address electrodes formed on the second substrate substantially perpendicularly to the display electrodes, barrier ribs mounted in the gap between the first substrate and the second substrate and defining a plurality of discharge cells, and phosphor layers formed using a phosphor layer material within each of the discharge cells. The display electrodes have bus electrodes running along a direction crossing with the address electrodes, and a cross-sectional shape of the bus electrodes is convex toward the second substrate.

Abstract: A discharge lamp includes: an emitting portion in which a pair of electrodes are disposed, an electric discharge being generated between the pair of electrodes so as to emit light; at least either one electrode of the pair of the electrodes including: a small-diameter portion; and a large-diameter portion provided on an end of the small-diameter portion closer to the other electrode, the large-diameter portion having a larger diameter than the small-diameter portion; and the large-diameter portion including a projecting part, the projecting part projecting outward from the large-diameter portion.

Abstract: The invention describes a light burner (1) comprising a discharge chamber (2) containing a gas sealed in the discharge chamber (2) by a seal (4, 5) and a pair of electrode shafts (6, 7), each of which partially intrudes from the seal (4, 5) into the discharge chamber (2) whereby a wrapping (8, 9), at least partially contained in the seal (4, 5), is freely wound around at least one of the electrode shafts (6, 7) and constrained in its motion by a number of containment elements (P1, P2, P3, P4) positioned along the longitudinal axis of the electrode shaft (6, 7).

Abstract: A high-pressure discharge lamp has a pressure chamber with two opposite end regions and delimited by a cylindrical envelope made of glass. An electrode is provided at each of the two end regions, the electrodes projecting into the pressure chamber and being arranged in the pressure chamber as anode and cathode. A discharge chamber is formed between the electrodes. The two end regions of the pressure chamber are designed differently at least outside of the discharge chamber.

Abstract: A high pressure sodium discharge lamp includes an arc tube which encloses a discharge sustaining fill which comprises sodium. Electrodes extend into the fill for generating an arc discharge in the fill during operation of the lamp. At least one of the electrodes includes a coiled coil which supports an emitter material thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas discharge lamp having at least one electrode and to a method for producing an electrode. According to the invention, the structure of a section (30) of the electrode (20, 22) is at least partially transformed by means of high-energy radiation, preferably laser radiation.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp with a thermally-insulating assembly includes an elongated glass tube. Mercury is disposed within the glass tube and a cold spot that substantially controls the vapor pressure of the mercury is present in the glass tube. One cathode stem is affixed to one end of the glass tube and extends into the glass tube a first distance. A second cathode stem is affixed to the other end of the glass tube and extends into the glass tube a second distance. The cold spot is located within a portion of the glass tube that is near the end of the glass tube where the second cathode stem is located, for example, immediately adjacent the end of the glass tube where the second cathode stem is located. A band of a thermally-insulating material substantially surrounds the portion of the glass tube where the cold spot is located and a jacket of a material capable of transmitting light substantially surrounds the glass tube.

Abstract: A method for fabricating microcavity discharge devices and arrays of devices. The devices are fabricated by layering a dielectric on a first conducting layer. A second conducting layer or structure is overlaid on the dielectric layer. In some devices, a microcavity is created that penetrates the second conducting layer or structure and the dielectric layer. In other devices, the microcavity penetrates to the first conducting layer. The second conducting layer or structure together with the inside face of the microcavity is overlaid with a second dielectric layer. The microcavities are then filled with a discharge gas. When a time-varying potential of the appropriate magnitude is applied between the conductors, a microplasma discharge is generated in the microcavity. These devices can exhibit extended lifetimes since the conductors are encapsulated, shielding the conductors from degradation due to exposure to the plasma. Some of the devices are flexible and the dielectric can be chosen to act as a mirror.

Abstract: A flat-type fluorescent lamp includes a lamp body and a first external electrode. The first external electrode is positioned on an end portion of the lamp body. The first external electrode includes a main electrode portion and a first auxiliary electrode portion. The main electrode portion crosses end portions of the discharge spaces. The first auxiliary electrode portion protrudes from the main electrode portion. The first auxiliary electrode portion corresponds to an outer discharge space adjacent to a side of the lamp body. Therefore, a luminance of the flat-type fluorescent lamp may be made more uniform, thereby improving an image display quality. In addition, operation of the flat-type fluorescent lamp at a low temperature may be improved.

Abstract: A method of making cathodes includes forming a first intermediate assembly having a current wire in juxtaposition with an outer mandrel wire and a basket wire wound around the first two wires. The first intermediate assembly is wound around a central mandrel to form a second intermediate assembly. Pulses of energy are used to produce an alloy solder joint between the current wire and the basket wire at selected locations. The second intermediate assembly is cut into segments, and the mandrels are removed. This results in a cathode having a coiled current wire and a basket wire wound around the current wire, with the basket wire being bonded to the current wire by the alloy solder joints. The cathode includes a central bore that is substantially free of the alloy solder joint.

Abstract: An x-ray tube assembly is provided comprising a tube casing assembly including a plurality of vertical mount posts. An insulator plate is mounted to the plurality of vertical mount posts such that the insulator plate can translate vertically on the posts. A cathode assembly is mounted to the insulator plate and generates both an eccentric moment and a vertical expansion in response to a cathode power load. A semi-compressible element is positioned between at least one of the vertical mount posts and the insulator plate. The semi-compressible element becomes incompressible at a cathode power threshold such that the vertical expansion is translated into a correction moment countering the eccentric moment.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge lamp comprises a discharge vessel that has a principal axis, the discharge vessel encloses a discharge volume filled with a discharge gas. The discharge vessel further comprises end portions intersected by the principal axis. There are at least one electrode of a first type and at least one electrode of a second type in the lamp. The electrodes of one type are energized to act as a cathode and the electrodes of other type are energized to act as an anode. The electrodes are substantially straight, elongated and have a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the principal axis of the discharge vessel. These electrodes are positioned within the discharge volume. The electrodes of at least one type are isolated from the discharge volume by a dielectric layer.

Abstract: In a mercury-free arc tube, electrodes are configured by electrode rods heat-treated at 1,200 to 2,200° C. in a vacuum atmosphere, and which have a thickness of 0.3 mm or more. The size (radius R) of a residual compression strain layer formed around the electrode rod is set to be ¼ or less of the width D of the pinch seal portion. A glass layer outside the residual compression strain layer is thickened, thereby enhancing the strength of the pinch seal portion.

Abstract: It is possible to enhance the luminance of a cold-cathode type discharge lamp and to contribute to a prolongation of service life thereof. A discharge lamp 1 is provided with an electrode 3 having a cup 4 with such a shape that a bottom is provided at each of both opposed ends of the glass tube 2. The cup 4 is connected to a lead-in wire 8 which is inserted through the end of the glass tube 2 and held thereby. The collision-preventing ring 5 covering an end surface of the cup 4 is provided to the open end 4a of the cup 4. The porous tungsten disk 6 impregnated with a ternary metal oxide composed of barium (Ba), aluminum (Al), and calcium (Ca) as an electron emission material is provided at a bottom in an inside of the cup 4.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode for a high intensity discharge lamp, at least consisting of an electrode head (2), which has a spherical shape, and an electrode base (1), wherein, in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the electrode, the electrode head (2) has a greater dimension than the electrode base (1) at the transition between electrode head (2) and electrode base (1), and a spherical electrode tip (3) is arranged on the electrode head (2), which electrode tip, in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the electrode, has a smaller maximum dimension than the electrode head (2). A cylindrical protrusion (4) is arranged on the electrode tip (3), which cylindrical protrusion, in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the electrode, has a smaller maximum dimension than the adjoining electrode tip (3). The electrode can be produced from a one-piece blank.

Abstract: A discharge bulb and an arc tube are provided. The discharge bulb includes an arc tube main body having a discharge arc chamber, in which two discharge electrodes are disposed to oppose to each other; a tube portion disposed at each end portion of the arc tube main body, each of the tube portions being in communication with the discharge arc chamber and holding one of the discharge electrodes, wherein a wall for forming the discharge arc chamber has a taper portion whose diameter is reduced gradually from a cylinder portion of the arc tube main body in a center area to the tube portion of the arc tube main body, and an inner diameter Di of the cylinder portion is about 1.0 mm to about 2.5 mm, and a projection length Le of the discharge electrode into the discharge arc chamber is about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm.

Abstract: The arc tube 3 comprises: a translucent ceramic envelope 19 including a central tube 16 having an inner diameter of 5.5 mm or more, thin tubes 18 formed, on contact with joining portions 17, onto both ends of the central tube 16, and at least one rare earth halide enclosed therein; and electrode inductors 24 and 25 inserted and sealed in the thin tubes 18. In a cross section of the arc tube 3 along a plane including the axis X in the longitudinal direction, an angle ? between the straight-line section of the inner surface of the central tube 16 and that of each joining portion 17 is set to 85°-115°. Clearance gaps 26 are formed between the thin tubes 18 and electrode inductors 24 and 25. The curvature radius of the inner surface of each boundary region 20 between the central tube 16 and joining portions 17 is set to 0.5 mm-2.5 mm.

Abstract: A spark gap (1; 21; 50) is indicated with a cavity (3; 23; 43), which is enveloped by two terminal electrodes (7a, 7b; 27a, 27b; 47a 47b) having an electrical insulator (2; 22; 42) placed therebetween, and with a rod electrode (4; 24; 44), which projects into a tubular electrode (5; 25; 45). Provided in one implementation are recesses (11; 41) of the terminal electrodes on the side of the cavity (3; 43) and a guidance of the terminal electrodes on the inside wall of the insulator. In another implementation, reinforcement electrodes (12a, 12b; 27c, 27d) are provided, which are connected to one of the terminal electrodes. The two implementations can be combined.

Abstract: A cold cathode for a discharge lamp includes a metal plate that has bending portions; a diamond film that is formed on a face of the metal plate, except for the bending portions; and a metal member that is mounted on the metal plate.

Abstract: An arc tube includes: a tube spherical portion containing a pair of electrodes each of which has a shaft portion and a coil winding portion formed by winding coil around the shaft portion; and a pair of seal portions extending from both sides of the tube spherical portion. The coil winding portion of at least one of the electrodes has a coil portion formed by winding the coil at least once around the shaft portion in the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion, a tip disposed on the tip side of the coil portion, and a base disposed on the base side of the coil portion. The coil of the base positioned on the surface side of the electrode is melt-treated. The coil forming the base is not melted to be combined with the shaft portion.

Abstract: A ceramic discharge vessel for a high-intensity discharge lamp includes a hollow body and two capillaries attached to the body. The capillaries have respective electrodes therein, where portions of the electrodes inside the body are spaced from each other and have longitudinal axes that are not coplanar. That is, in contrast to the prior art where the longitudinal axes are coplanar, the capillaries herein are moved (in effect, rotated) to positions in which a first plane defined by a longitudinal axis of one capillary and a first point where a second capillary is attached to the body is intersected by a longitudinal axis of the second capillary only at the first point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge lamp, comprising a light-transmissive discharge vessel (2) filled with an ionisable substance (3), and at least two electrodes (4) connected to said vessel, between which electrodes a discharge extends during lamp operation, wherein at least one electrode is adapted for capacitive coupling of HF electrical energy to said ionisable substance, and is characterised in that said discharge vessel part which comprises said capacitive electrode is shaped such that it has an increased surface area with respect to the remaining part of the discharge vessel. The invention also relates to a backlight module for backlighting a display device comprising at least one discharge lamp according to the invention. The invention further relates to a display device provided with at least one backlight module according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge lamp (1), comprising: a light-transmissive discharge vessel (2) filled with an ionizable substance, and multiple electrodes (3, 4) connected to said vessel, between which electrodes a discharge extends during lamp operation, wherein at least one electrode is adapted for capacitive coupling of RF electrical energy to said ionizable substance. The invention also relates to a backlight module for backlighting a display device comprising at least one discharge lamp according to the invention. The invention further relates to a display device provided with at least one backlight module according to the invention.

Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp in which the cathode has a cylindrical body part and a conical part which is doped with thorium dioxide (ThO2), and with a diameter which decreases in a direction from the body part toward the tip area of the conical part by at least one light receiving surface area being formed between the body part and the tip area of the cone in a base part of the conical part. The light receiving area lies at an angle with respect to the center axis of the conical part and the body part, said angle which is measured from the side of the body part being greater than the angle of inclination which is formed between the outer periphery of the conical part in the tip area of the cone and the center axis.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter includes a filament electrode that can include a filament coil connected with a pair of lead wires with confidence. It is possible for a fluorescent lamp using the filament electrode to emit light with a wider range while located in a thin tube. The filament electrode can include a pair of connecting pipes, a pair of lead wires located parallel to each other, and a filament coil including two connecting parts. Each of the two connecting parts of the filament coil can attach to respective ends of the pair of lead wires via the pair of connecting pipes via pressure bonding so as not to contact the connecting parts of the filament coil with the ends of the pair of lead wires located in the pair of connecting pipes and so as to align the structures. Thus, the filament electrode can be used even in a thin glass or quartz tube and can provide an effective heat-shield operation.

Abstract: A high pressure arc discharge lamp apparatus comprises a lamp and operating means therefor, the lamp comprising an envelope containing a dose of mercury and a pair of electrodes with their tips (32, 34) spaced apart from one another to define an arc gap. At least one of the electrode tips is formed with a hollow (44, 46) in its surface (40, 42) facing the other electrode, and the operating means includes means for driving the lamp at an A.C. frequency of at least 200 Hz.

Abstract: A low-pressure discharge lamp (1) is provided that includes a glass tube (2) having an inner diameter in a range of 1 to 5 mm and a pair of electrodes (3) disposed at end portions in the glass tube (2). The pair of electrodes (3) contain at least one transition metal selected from transition metals of Groups IV to VI. Mercury and a rare gas containing argon and neon are sealed in an inner portion of the glass tube (2). A relationship between a cathode glow discharge density J and a composition index ? of the sealed rare gas of the low-pressure discharge lamp (1) satisfies the following expression ??J=I/(S·P2)?1.5? (where S represents an effective discharge surface area (mm2) of an electrode, I represents a RMS lamp current (mA), P represents a pressure (kPa) of a sealed rare gas, and ? represents a composition index of a sealed rare gas that is a constant expressed by ?=(90.5A+3.4N)×10?3 when a total of a composition ratio A of argon and a composition ratio N of neon is expressed by A+N=1).

Abstract: A display panel comprising a substrate, a plurality of first electrodes formed on a surface of the substrate and extending from a first portion of the substrate, and a plurality of second electrodes formed on the surface of the substrate and extending from a second portion of the substrate. The first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately arranged in rows. The first electrodes include a shorted segment in the first portion of the substrate that couples ends of the first electrodes. The shorted segment includes an electrode formation region and electrode void regions. The electrode void regions are formed in a predetermined pattern in the electrode formation region.

Abstract: The invention concerns microcavity plasma devices and arrays with thin foil metal electrodes protected by metal oxide dielectric. Devices of the invention are amenable to mass production techniques, and may, for example, be fabricated by roll to roll processing. Exemplary devices of the invention are flexible. Embodiments of the invention provide for large arrays of microcavity plasma devices that can be made inexpensively. The structure of preferred embodiment microcavity plasma devices of the invention is based upon thin foils of metal that are available or can be produced in arbitrary lengths, such as on rolls. In a device of the invention, a pattern of microcavities is produced in a metal foil. Oxide is subsequently grown on the foil and within the microcavities (where plasma is to be produced) to protect the microcavity and electrically isolate the foil. A second metal foil is also encapsulated with oxide and is bonded to the first encapsulated foil.

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: A surface light source device may include a first substrate and a second substrate having a plurality of space-dividing portions to divide an inner space between the first and second substrates into a plurality of discharge regions. First and second electrodes may be formed on an outer face of the first substrate or the second substrate, and the first and second electrodes have a plurality of openings corresponding to the space-dividing portions. The openings have a first opening width along a longitudinal direction of the space-dividing portions, which is smaller than a line width of the first and second electrodes. The light source may be used in a flat panel display apparatus, such as a liquid crystal display apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved electrode structure of planar lamp, which applies to the planar lamp that has a gas-discharge cavity with at least a bending channel and with a discharge gas and a fluorescent material equipped thereinside. Via disposing an electrically conductive element, which traverses the bending channels, onto the discharge electrodes on the external wall of the gas-discharge cavity, the input area of the power output by the discharge electrodes is increased, and thus, the light uniformity of the planar lamp is achieved.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for phase-locking microdischarge device arrays and an ac, rf, or pulse-excited microdischarge. The invention provides output from a non-laser optical source that is a phase-locked array of microdischarges formed of microdischarge cavities containing discharge filler and excitation electrodes. In exemplary embodiments, entire arrays of microdischarge device optical emitters that are not lasers can be fabricated into a surface area having a largest dimension smaller than the coherence length of at least one of the emissions produced by the individual elements. In other embodiments, arrays of microdischarge devices configured in a Fresnel pattern constitute a lens suitable for both producing and focusing light.

Abstract: Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp has a discharge vessel (10) enclosing, in a gastight manner, a discharge space (13) provided with a filling of mercury and an inert gas in a gastight manner. The discharge vessel comprising electrodes (20a; 20b) arranged in the discharge space for maintaining a discharge in the discharge space. According to the invention, the probability of failure of the low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp being substantially determined by one of the electrodes. As upon igniting the low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp the ignition-related events influence the electrodes, preferably, the ignition-related events substantially are prevented affecting the one electrode.

Abstract: A low-pressure discharge lamp (1) is provided that includes a glass tube (2) having an inner diameter in a range of 1 to 5 mm and a pair of electrodes (3) disposed at end portions in the glass tube (2). The pair of electrodes (3) contain at least one transition metal selected from transition metals of Groups IV to VI. Mercury and a rare gas containing argon and neon are sealed in an inner portion of the glass tube (2). A relationship between a cathode glow discharge density J and a composition index ? of the sealed rare gas of the low-pressure discharge lamp (1) satisfies the following expression ??J=I/(S·P2)?1.5? (where S represents an effective discharge surface area (mm2) of an electrode, I represents a RMS lamp current (mA), P represents a pressure (kPa) of a sealed rare gas, and ? represents a composition index of a sealed rare gas that is a constant expressed by ?=(90.5A+3.4N)×10?3 when a total of a composition ratio A of argon and a composition ratio N of neon is expressed by A+N=1).

Abstract: An alloy for a lead member is used for an electric lamp having a metal/vitreous material interface. Molybdenum or tungsten serving as an electric lamp current conductor is used as a base for the lead member, wherein the molybdenum or tungsten contains titanium oxide or other oxides. Automotive bulbs use this alloy for a lead member.

Abstract: A plasma display panel having a new structure is provided. The plasma display panel includes a rear substrate, a front substrate spaced apart from the rear substrate, barrier ribs disposed between the front substrate and the rear substrate and defining a plurality of discharge cells, first discharge electrodes extending in a first direction and including a plurality of first loops surrounding the discharge cell, second discharge electrodes extending in a second direction, and including a plurality of second loops surrounding the discharge cell, and crossing the first discharge electrodes, and phosphor layers disposed in the discharge cells. The first discharge electrodes may operate as an address electrode, and the second discharge electrodes may operate as a scan electrode. The first loop and the second loop may have elliptical and circular shapes, respectively.

Abstract: An arc tube includes an arc tube body and a pair of electrodes. The arc tube body is formed from a glass tube which is double-spirally wound from a middle portion to both ends around a spiral axis. The pair of electrodes are sealed at both ends of the arc tube body. Mercury is enclosed in the arc tube substantially in a single form. Each of the electrodes includes a multiple-coiled filament which is wound substantially one turn in a last coiling stage.

Abstract: The aim is to provide an ultra-high-pressure mercury lamp in which the electrode gap is the virtually the same as conventional electrode gaps, but with which high illuminance can be achieved. The ultra-high-pressure mercury lamp pertaining to the present invention comprises a light-emitting tube 1 at both ends of which a pair of electrodes 3a, 3b is positioned, and which contains mercury inside, in which ultra-high-pressure mercury lamp one of the electrodes of the pair 3a, 3b is caused to move a prescribed distance toward the bulb center 8a side of the light-emitting tube 1. Most preferably, the electrode gap is unchanged, and the point at which the brightness is greatest toward the center from the tip end of one of the electrodes is moved to the bulb center 8a.

Abstract: To increase radiation intensity of deuterium lamp with continuous spectrum in UV region including vacuum UV in order to enable the lamp to illuminate wide area in high intensity. A pair of electrodes 7 and 8 is covered with dielectrics, placed outside of a UV transparent tubular discharge vessel 1 and plunged into the discharge vessel 1. There is a shield box 2 with a separator 3 between the electrodes 7 and 8 in the discharge vessel 1. Deuterium gas, hydrogen gas, mixture gas with deuterium, or mixture gas with hydrogen is enclosed in the discharge vessel 1 as discharge gas. A slit 4 is formed on the separator 3 along the axis of the discharge vessel 1 in order to squeeze the discharge path arising between the electrodes 7 and 8. The slit 4 makes radiant points continuous and then the lamp length would not be limited. When sine wave in high voltage is applied between the electrodes 7 and 8, dielectric-barrier discharge is caused.

Abstract: Provided is a flat lamp which includes a lower substrate and an upper substrate that form discharge space therebetween disposed facing each other, a plurality of discharge electrodes formed at least on one of the lower substrate and the upper substrate, a plurality of spacers that form a plurality of discharge cells by defining the discharge space, and disposed parallel to the discharge electrodes between the lower substrate and the upper substrate, a plurality of auxiliary electrodes, to which a voltage is induced by applying a voltage to the discharge electrodes, formed on a surface of the spacers, and a fluorescent layer formed on an inner wall of the discharge cells.

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 lamp electrode adapted to deliver mercury during an assembly process has a supporting electrical lead attached to the proximal end of a metallic shell. The proximal and a distal ends of the metallic shell each lie along a central axis. A container with a vitreous plug in a sealed end contains a substance for delivering mercury upon heating of the container. The sidewall of the container is attached to the electrical lead. The longitudinal axis of the container is skewed relative to the electrical lead to orient the container in a direction to reduce discharge of mercury directly toward the metallic shell. The container is heated to open it and discharge a mercury dose from the sealed, end, which is prone to opening upon heating of the container.

Abstract: A cold cathode flat fluorescent lamp (CCFFL) comprising a flat lamp chamber, fluorescent substance, discharge gas, and a patterned electrode is provided. The discharge gas is disposed in the gas discharge chamber. The fluorescent substance is disposed over the inner wall of the gas discharge chamber. The patterned electrode is disposed over a surface of the flat lamp chamber. In an embodiment, the patterned electrode comprises anode pairs and cathode pairs which are alternately arranged. Each anode pair comprises a first meandering anode with first protrusions and a second meandering anode with second protrusions, wherein the first protrusions and the second protrusions are staggered. Each cathode pair comprises a first meandering cathode with third protrusions and a second meandering cathode with fourth protrusions, wherein each third protrusion aligns with each second protrusion, and each fourth protrusion aligns with each first protrusion.

Abstract: A lamp and a back light unit for improved brightness and efficiency are disclosed. In the lamp, a transparent tube is sealed with a discharge gas. A fluorescent material is formed within the transparent tube in an emitter section that generates light. Electrodes are installed at both sides of the glass tube.

Abstract: A method of making a unitized tungsten electrode which exhibits superior mechanical and electrical properties which includes providing a length of cylindrical cut stock having a predetermined diameter and length. The stock is ground to form a rough unfinished electrode having an enlarged tip or nose portion at one end integrally connected to an elongated shank section. The unfinished electrode is treated by exposure to a chemical etchant for a time sufficient to form a finished electrode characterized by a smooth nose and shank surface and rounded undercut and ends. The invention includes the electrode formed by the described process.