Abstract: An electrodeless lamp bulb for producing relatively high radiation output in the deep ultraviolet part of the spectrum when excited with microwave energy wherein the bulb envelope is made of synthetic quartz which is substantially water-free. This results in increased bulb lifetime, since loss of bulb transparency with exposure to deep ultraviolet radiation over time is substantially reduced. An electrodeless lamp incorporating the above-described bulb includes a microwave chamber in which the bulb is situated and means for coupling microwave energy to the chamber.

Abstract: A microwave generated plasma light source including a microwave generator, a microwave cavity having a light reflecting member forming at least a portion of the cavity, and a member transparent to light and opaque to microwaves disposed across an opening of the cavity opposite the feeding opening through which the microwave generator is coupled. An electrodeless discharge bulb is disposed at a position in the cavity such that the cavity operates as a resonant cavity at least when the bulb is emitting light. In the bulb is encapsulated at least one discharge light emissive substance. The bulb has a shape and is sufficiently small that the bulb acts substantially as a point light source.

Abstract: An ultraviolet light source includes a volume filled with a dose of AlCl.sub.3 and an inert gas. No mercury is used. During electrical discharge excited states of AlCl.sub.3, AlCl.sub.2, and AlCl emit light, with AlCl having a broad ultraviolet emission peaking at about 261.4 nm. The source may be energized with or without internal electrode. Phosphors may be employed to convert the ultraviolet to visible light. The lamp's envelope may be aluminosilicate coated quartz.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling electrodeless lamps which permits high power density operation, and bright lamp output. The lamp envelope is rotated about an axis passing therethrough while at least a stream of cooling gas is directed at it. A plurality of such streams may be positioned in or near a plane in which envelope hot spots are found to develop. A spherical lamp envelope at the center of a spherical microwave chamber is effectively cooled by this technique.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp has an outer envelope in which there is supported a capsule containing a mercury-free fill comprised of aluminum trichloride. The fill is energized to produce a plasma discharge which emits ultraviolet and visible radiation. Phosphor, in the form of a particulate layer or a gas, converts the ultraviolet into visible light. The lamp may contain electrodes or be electrodeless. In the electrodeless embodiment RF energy may be capacitively or inductively coupled to the fill.

Abstract: A resonance lamp of improved efficiency and stability is provided, using radio frequency excitation applied axially of the lamp, which is matched to the radio frequency source by making it part of an initially high Q tuned circuit resonant at the source frequency. This resonance promotes starting of the lamp, while the damping applied by the lamp circuit during running provides stabilization. A feedback circuit sensing lamp current or light output from a rare gas filling of the lamp provides longer term stability. The lamp may include a heated side arm containing a source of molecular gas which can be excited to provide radiation from an atomic species of interest, and the heating of the side arm is controlled not only by feedback from a temperature sensor but also by feedback from an optical detector sensitive to the radiation of interest.

Abstract: An improved laser power supply is disclosed. The invention is designed to provide the high electric field required for starting a laser in addition to the capability of automatically readjusting after laser action is initiated to provide an optimum impedance match for high efficiency energy transfer. The invention includes variable means for matching the impedance of a laser cavity with a source of RF energy. In addition, means are provided for sensing a change in the impedance of the laser cavity. The sensed change is then utilized to vary the impedance of the matching elements to provide and maintain an optimal coupling between the laser cavity and the RF source.

Abstract: To provide mercury vapor control in a compact, solenoidal electric field (SEF) lamp there is provided a means for controllably heating a length of conductive material disposed within the lamp envelope so as to thereby heat an amalgam patch on the material. In this way, mercury vapor pressure is controlled within the lamp, not only during lamp operation but also under lamp starting conditions.

Abstract: A feedback control system for maintaining the intensity and spectral distribution of light at a predetermined level at a wavelength characteristic of the excited source. Control of that intensity, which exhibits a systematic but not necessarily a monotonic relation with excitation, is achieved by measuring and controlling the intensity of flux at another characteristic wavelength which is both systematic and monotonic.

Abstract: A fusion reactor device in which the toroidal magnetic field and at least a portion of the poloidal magnetic field are provided by a single set of modular coils. The coils are arranged on the surface of a low aspect ratio toroid in planes having the cylindrical coordinate relationship .phi.=.phi..sub.i +kz where k is a constant equal to each coil's pitch and .phi..sub.i is the toroidal angle at which the i'th coil intersects the z=o plane. The device may be described as a modular, high beta torsation whose screw symmetry is pointed along the systems major (z) axis. The toroid defined by the modular coils preferably has a racetrack minor cross section. When vertical field coils and preferably a toroidal plasma current are provided for magnetic field surface closure within the toroid, a vacuum magnetic field of racetrack shaped minor cross section with improved stability and beta valves is obtained.

Abstract: An electromagnetic discharge apparatus including an electrodeless lamp containing a fill material which emit light when subjected to a high frequency electric field. Power is coupled to the contents of the lamp by a coupling fixture having an outer conductor of conductive mesh and an inner conductor. The electrodeless lamp is mounted between two electrodes, one from the inner conductor and one from the outer conductor which terminate closely adjacent to opposite outer surfaces of the electrodeless lamp.

Abstract: A source of visible light including an electrodeless lamp containing a mercury halide, iodine, and nitrogen. When the contents of the electrodeless lamp are excited by high frequency power, visible light is emitted.

Abstract: A source of ultraviolet radiation including an electrodeless lamp containing a metal iodide or iodine. When the contents of the electrodeless lamp are excited by high frequency power, excited iodine atoms emit ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: An electrodeless fluorescent light source including an electrodeless lamp containing a metal iodide or iodine. A fluorescing material is disposed between the electrodeless lamp and an outer envelope. When the contents of the electrodeless lamp are excited by high frequency power, excited iodine atoms emit ultraviolet radiation. The ultraviolet radiation impinges on the fluorescing material causing it to emit visible light. The fluorescing material may be a solid phosphor material on the outer surface of the electrodeless lamp, a solid phosphor material on the inner surface of the outer envelope, a gaseous phosphor material in the space between the electrodeless lamp and the outer envelope, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: A source of visible light including an electrodeless lamp containing a mercury halide. When the contents of the electrodeless lamp are excited by high frequency power, excited mercury (I) halide molecules emit visible light.

Abstract: An electromagnetic discharge apparatus including an electrodeless lamp containing a fill material which emits light when subjected to a high frequency electric field. The lamp envelope is generally cylindrical. Power is coupled to the contents of the lamp by electrodes which encircle each end of the envelope and are spaced apart in the central region of the envelope to provide a capacitive gap between them. An inner coaxial conductor is connected to one of the electrodes and an outer conductor is connected to the other electrode by way of a conductive shielding member which encircles the lamp and the electrodes. A heating arrangement may be provided to maintain the temperature and thus the pressure of the fill material within the envelope constant.

Abstract: An electrodeless gas discharge lamp having a closed loop core of a magnetic material the part of which core extends through the lamp vessel, a high frequency field being induceable in this core by means of an h.f. generator in the lamp base, said core is assembled of at least two operable core portions at least a major part of one portion lying within the lamp vessel, and the other of the two portions being located in the lamp base, the lamp base being detachably secured to the lamp vessel.

Abstract: A frequency converter for supplying an electrodeless discharge lamp comprises a VMOS controlled semiconductor switching element and a parallel circuit including an electric coil coupled to a discharge path of the lamp. A control circuit of the switching element includes a transformer which, in combination with two Zener diodes, results in a low-loss control circuit for the VMOS and, hence, an increased system efficiency.

Abstract: In an electrodeless discharge lamp of the type including an ionizable medium within a sealed envelope capable of emitting radiant energy when subjected to a radio frequency field, an oscillator for generating an output signal at a given radio frequency, a Class D RF amplifier including first and second transistors responsive to the oscillator output signal, and an induction coil responsive to the output of the amplifier, the coil being positioned in close physical proximity to the medium in the envelope for coupling to the medium an electric field having a magnitude sufficient to initiate ionization of the medium and a magnetic field for maintaining the ionization, there is disclosed an improved transformer for driving the Class D amplifier which results in a significant decrease in power consumption. The oscillator output signal is connected to the primary winding of a transformer which includes a toroidal, magnetic core.

Abstract: In an electrodeless discharge lamp of the type including an ionizable medium within a sealed envelope capable of emitting radiant energy when subjected to a radio frequency field, an oscillator for generating an output signal at a given radio frequency of 13.56 MHz, an RF amplifier responsive to the oscillator output signal, and an induction coil and a capacitor connected in series and responsive to the output of the amplifier, the coil being positioned in close physical proximity to the medium in the envelope for coupling to the medium an electric field having a magnitude sufficient to initiate ionization of the medium and a magnetic field for maintaining ionization, there is disclosed an improvement wherein a Class D amplifier drives the series connected coil and capacitor without a separate load circuit connected in the output circuit of the amplifier. A specially selected filter and matching network coupled between the Class D amplifier and the series connected coil and capacitor reduces CV.sup.

Abstract: An ornamental lamp which includes a light transmitting envelope containing a fluid such as an inert gas or air and at least one electrode disposed within or without said envelope and applying high voltage at a high frequency to said electrode to ionize the fluid to produce ornamental displays and varying the characteristics of the displays by changing the magnitude of the voltage, the frequency and wave form through modulation and a power supply for operating said lamp utilizing a transformer having a high voltage secondary and two low voltage primaries with said primaries being connected to said amplifier to produce a positive feedback signal to cause oscillation thereof and filter means for effecting modulation of the feedback signal.

Abstract: An operating circuit and method for efficiently operating and starting an electrodeless lamp having a magnetic core operated at radio frequencies. The circuit generates a current which flows through the winding of an electric field inducing means in the lamp in a reverse-bias direction, with respect to a drive current, to operate the core of the inducing means in all quadrants of the B-H curve, with the time average of all current through the lamp winding equaling approximately zero in order to avoid or minimize heat energy losses and sharp current peaks caused by saturation. This also allows use of lower current-capacity less-expensive components. The circuit repetitively applies constant-current DC drive pulses to the lamp winding for a small percentage of an interval during which energy is stored, which is used to generate the reverse-bias current.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for igniting a microwave generated discharge lamp. An ultraviolet-producing means is positioned so as to irradiate the fill-containing envelope of the discharge lamp. The ultraviolet-producing means is excited by microwave energy which is extracted from means which couples microwave energy from the microwave source to the fill-containing envelope of the discharge lamp.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp construction is described utilizing a particular combination of two different phosphor materials in order to produce more efficient emission of white color light and whose color temperature can be controlled. The particular phosphor combination can be utilized as a blended mixture; and the color point of the lamp emission can be adjusted to approximate black body radiation emission such as incandescent lamp emission with negligible loss in optimum luminous efficacy.

Abstract: An induction plasma system includes a plasma chamber, a high frequency electrical coil that surrounds the chamber, and an oscillator for energizing the coil to establish a plasma maintaining condition in the chamber. The oscillator tank circuit includes the coil, and is tuned so that it is essentially at resonance when a plasma condition is established in the chamber. Ignition means is arranged for initiating a plasma condition, and is constructed such that insertion of the ignition means into the chamber in the absence of a plasma condition shifts the impedance condition in the chamber to essentially the same tuned condition that exists when a plasma condition is established in the plasma chamber, but without need to adjust any component of the tank circuit.

Abstract: High frequency electrodeless (HFE) lamp has high-permeability core such as ferrite positioned in energy transferring relationship with respect to the phosphor-coated lamp envelope. The core forms a part of a tuned circuit output for a radio-frequency energizing source and during lamp operation, the resulting electromagnetic fields generated within the lamp envelope create a discharge which in turn generates radiations to excite the phosphor to produce visible light. The core is specially designed to include narrow gap means of low-permeability substance and this gap improves lamp performance by providing the dual function of stabilizing the output frequency of the tuned circuit to compensate for variations in permeability of the core and, in addition, the resulting increased Q of the tuned circuit substantially suppresses harmonics of the resonant frequency which are undesirable in such a lamp.

Abstract: An electromagnetic discharge apparatus has a power coupling fixture which couples power to both ends of an electrodeless discharge vessel and produces a substantially uniform arc. Power can be coupled to the fixture from two high frequency power sources or can be coupled from a single high frequency power source by using a power divider. If power is coupled to the electrodeless discharge vessel from a single source, power transfer to the vessel is optimized when the electrical length of the circuit is an integral number of wavelengths. In an alternative embodiment, a second coupler is utilized in a conventional electrodeless light source to shape the electric fields and produce a more uniform arc.

Abstract: Light source wherein high frequency power is capacitively coupled to a low pressure discharge includes at least one metallized power coupling conductor. A discharge lamp includes an envelope which is typically pear-shaped with a re-entrant cavity. The lamp envelope encloses a fill material which forms during discharge a plasma which emits ultravoilet radiation and typically includes on its inner surface a phosphor coating. An outer conductor is disposed around the outer surface of the lamp envelope. A conductive coating disposed on the inner surface of the re-entrant cavity forms the inner conductor. The outer conductor can be a conductive mesh or can be a conductive coating disposed on the outer surface of the lamp envelope in a pattern which permits light to escape from the lamp.

Abstract: Method an apparatus for general illumination wherein high frequency power is capacitively coupled to a low pressure discharge. A discharge lamp includes an envelope which is typically pear-shaped with a re-entrant cavity. The lamp envelope encloses a fill material which forms during discharge a plasma which emits ultraviolet radiation and has an effective electrical impedance. The lamp envelope typically includes on its inner surface a phosphor coating. An outer conductor, typically a conductive mesh, is disposed around the outer surface of the lamp envelope. A solid or hollow inner conductor is disposed in the re-entrant cavity. The apparatus is configured so that the capacitive impedance associated with coupling of high frequency power from the conductors to the discharge is much less than the plasma impedance. Low capacitive impedance is achieved by utilizing high frequencies and conductors with large surface areas and by maintaining the conductors in close contact with the lamp envelope.

Abstract: Amorphous magnetic metal alloys are processed by annealing at temperatures sufficient to achieve stress relief and cooling in directed magnetic fields or in zero magnetic fields.The ac and dc properties of magnetic cores produced in accordance with the processes of the invention may be tailored to match those of a wide range of magnetic alloys.Alloys processed in accordance with the invention provide improved performance in inductors, transformers, magnetometers, and electrodeless lamps.

Abstract: An electrodeless discharge lamp having a sealed elongated toroidal envelope containing an ionizable medium with means for inducing ionization of the medium including a radio frequency energy supply coil formed by coating a transparent conductive material on the envelope. The coil is mounted to reduce the stray radio frequency field and the torroidal envelope is formed to allow for convection cooling of the lamp.

Abstract: Efficient starting of solenoidal electric field discharge lamps is effected when a primary voltage exceeds a critical transition level. A starting potential may be applied to electrodes on the external surface of the lamp which are capacitatively coupled to a fill gas. Alternately, the electrodes may be disposed within the lamp envelope. Optimally, the starting electrodes are disposed along the axis of an annular transformer core at opposite ends of a tunnel region.

Abstract: Radioactive materials are used to assist in starting a discharge in an electrodeless light source. The radioactive emissions predispose on the inner surface of the lamp envelope loosely bound charges which thereafter assist in initiating discharge. The radioactive material can be enclosed within the lamp envelope in gaseous or non-gaseous form. Preferred materials are krypton 85 and americium 241. In addition, the radioactive material can be dispersed in the lamp envelope material or can be a pellet imbedded in the envelope material. Finally, the radioactive material can be located in the termination fixture. Sources of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays are suitable. Because charges accumulate with time on the inner surface of the lamp envelope, activity levels as low as 10.sup.-8 curie are effective as starting aids.

Abstract: High-frequency electrodeless discharge device is operated by radio-frequency energy generated by an oscillator operating in Class E mode. By proper selection of the oscillator circuit components, a load-network capacitor can be eliminated along with an inductor which is normally required to pass direct current to the transistor switch portion of the oscillator. The elimination of these elements permits the oscillator to be packaged in compact fashion. The discharge device incorporates a looped core of high permeability material which forms a part of the tuned circuit output portion of the oscillator and the radio frequency energy electromagnetic fields passed through and about the core and within the envelope of the device excite a discharge-sustaining medium to generate plasma which is converted to visible radiations.

Abstract: A light source includes a planar electrodeless fluorescent lamp. The lamp envelope has two parallel light transmitting plates separated and sealed by a spacing frame, has a phosphor coating on its inner surface, and encloses a fill material which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation by high frequency power. The phosphor coating emits visible light upon absorption on ultraviolet radiation. An induction coil for excitation of the lamp by high frequency power includes conductive loops located on the surface of the lamp with the plane of each loop parallel to the plane of the lamp. The induction coil is configured so that current flow in adjacent loops is in opposite directions in order to minimize the far field radiation level.

Abstract: An electrodeless fluorescent light source includes an electrodeless fluorescent lamp and an induction coil wherein the magnitude of the far field electromagnetic radiation, produced directly by the induction coil, is minimized. The induction coil includes current loops which are configured so that the magnetic dipole moment of each current loop is offset by the magnetic dipole moment of other current loops in order to minimize the net magnetic dipole moment of the induction coil. One embodiment of the induction coil includes a conductor wound in the shape of a square prism. The current on adjacent side edges of the prism is in opposite directions, thus resulting in two pairs of mutually opposing magnetic dipole moments.

Abstract: Efficient starting of solenoidal electric field discharge lamps is effected with a start winding disposed on the same core with the ballast reactance. This placement of the start winding possesses certain advantages over other methods of lamp starting, and in particular it facilitates hot restart of the lamp.

Abstract: An improved magnetic core of an amorphous metal alloy is provided for electrodeless fluorescent lamps.

Abstract: A metallic coating is disposed on the inner surface of a lamp having an envelope made of a light transmitting substance enclosing a fill material which emits light upon breakdown and excitation by a high frequency power source. The metallic coating protects the lamp envelope from degradation caused by the lamp fill material or by products of the discharge and acts as a catalyst for the recombination reaction of molecular lamp fill material. A nickel coating is used in a deuterium discharge lamp. Another suitable metal is gold. The metallic coating is sufficiently thin to permit high frequency power to pass through the coating.

Abstract: Solenoidal electric field lamps are effectively dimmed with no loss in lamp efficiency by powering the lamps with high frequency current pulses and periodically interrupting the current pulses in a time ratio fashion in order to reduce the average power being supplied to the lamp. The lamp may be dimmed from 100 to 0 percent of full power in an efficient manner as long as the pulse interruption period is less than the plasma deionization time of the lamp.

Abstract: An electrodeless lamp apparatus includes an electrodeless, light-transmitting, envelope for housing a rare-earth compound fill, and a termination fixture, electrodelessly coupled to the envelope, adapted to create an electrical condition for exciting the fill.The fill can include mercury and a noble gas, such as argon.The rare-earth compound is preferably a rare-earth halide, such as dysprosium iodide and holmium iodide.The fill can include a halide of mercury, such as HgBr.sub.2.One example of a fill is Hg/DyI.sub.3 /HoI.sub.3 /CsI/HgBr.sub.2 /Ar.A second example of a fill is Hg/NdI.sub.3 /DyI.sub.3 /CsI/Ar.A third example of a fill is Hg/Pr/DyI.sub.3 /HgI.sub.2 /CsI/HgBr.sub.2 /Ar.A fourth example of a fill is Hg/Yb/CsCl/HgCl.sub.2 /Ar.

Abstract: An electrodeless fluorescent light source has an electrodeless lamp mounted in a termination fixture which includes an inner conductor and an outer conductor disposed around the inner conductor and is coupled to a high frequency power source. Power is coupled to an ultraviolet-producing low pressure discharge in the electrodeless lamp which acts as a termination load within the termination fixture. A phosphor coating on the inner surface of the electrodeless lamp emits visible light upon excitation by ultraviolet radiation. Alternatively, the phosphor coating can be on the inner surface of a transparent envelope which forms part of the termination fixture. In this case, the phosphor coated envelope can be removable from the light source. The light source can be dimmed by reducing the microwave power input. Frequency of operation is typically from 902 MHz to 928 MHz.

Abstract: A solenoidal electric field lamp comprises a plurality of toroidal ferrite cores connected to a radio frequency energy source and disposed in an ionizable gas. The cores are so connected and oriented that circulating discharge currents passing through each core produce magnetic dipole fields which tend to cancel one another. Near and far field electromagnetic interference is thus reduced even when the lamp is operated at higher, more efficient frequencies. The cores are disposed in a variety of configurations.

Abstract: An electrodeless light source having a termination fixture adapted for connection to a high frequency power source has an electrodeless lamp with a self-contained ultraviolet excitation source and a means for coupling power to the electrodeless lamp. The electrodeless lamp includes a main lamp cavity and an exciter lamp cavity within a single envelope. When power is applied to the fixture, the exciter lamp cavity emits ultraviolet radiation which assists starting of the arc discharge in the main lamp cavity.

Abstract: Novel geometries for high intensity discharge solenoidal electric field lamps are disclosed providing good coupling between the magnetic fields within the ferrite and the plasma discharge. In addition, the geometries provide for good heat sinking and cooling capabilities as well as escape of most of the generated light. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of toroidal shaped ferrite cores are arranged about the high intensity discharge tube, the tube being threaded through the holes in the toroidal ferrite cores. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a bundle of ferrite rods is disposed through the hole of a toroidal shaped discharge tube, the packing density of the ferrite rods in the bundle being less than one hundred percent efficient whereby channels for cooling air are formed.

Abstract: A light source includes an electrodeless lamp having a generally cylindrically shaped envelope made of a light transmitting substance. A volatile fill material, enclosed within the envelope, emits light upon breakdown and excitation. A termination fixture has an outer conductor disposed around its inner conductor, both conductors having a first end which couples power to the lamp and a second end coupled to an alternating current power source. A first end of conductive means is coupled to the first end of the inner conductor, a second end of the conductive means being open-circuited. The conductive means has an electrical length whereby axial electric field maxima and minima occur thereon. The envelope is oriented centrally and axially within the conductive means so that an axial, non-toroidal arc occurs within the envelope, but does not attach to its interior walls, thereby enhancing the life of the lamp. The conductive means can be formed in a helical or spiral configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the generation of an ionized gas or plasma for measurement of ultra-high frequency electromagnetic radiation utilizing a casing containing an ionizable gas, an oscillating circuit comprising an inductor and a capacitor in the casing, the oscillating circuit being adapted to resonate at a predetermined resonance frequency in the ultra-high frequency range and to have a Q factor in a vacuum of greater than 1 in order to render the circuit capable of producing a firing voltage across the capacitor for ionizing the gas when the inductor receives electromagnetic radiation near the resonance frequency, the casing further including optical conducting means having one end attached to the casing near the capacitor and means attached to the other end of the optical conducting means for analyzing the light transmitted from the conductor as a function of the power of the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a ferrite core disposed within a solenoidal electric field lamp comprises first and second members disposed in chord-like fashion, each having an opening for receiving the core, and in one embodiment, a third member which encircles the core in a chord-like fashion and also encloses the first and second members so as to fixedly hold them to the core when ends of the first and second members are stressedly anchored to points distal from the core. In another embodiment the third member comprises a circular band to which said first and second members are attached, said band being readily affixable to a glass pedestal header assembly. The mounting means cooperate with the lamp assembly so as to reduce the level of electromagnetic interference produced, and can be fabricated rapidly and inexpensively.

Abstract: Method and device for efficiently generating white light with good color rendition of illuminated objects. This is achieved by blending three different colors of light, namely, a green to yellow-green color of light, an orange to red color of light, and a purplish-blue to greenish-blue color of light. The relative intensities of the blended colors of light are selected to produce white light of predetermined ICI coordinates. The resulting blended light has at most only a limited amount of radiations of a wavelength shorter than 430 nm and at most only a limited amount of radiations of a wavelength longer than 630 nm. Also, the blended light has at most only a limited amount of radiations of a wavelength of about 575 nm and at most only a limited amount of radiations of a wavelength of about 500 nm.

Abstract: An electrodeless fluorescent light source that includes a non-conducting light transmissive hermetically sealed envelope containing an ionizable gas which is electromagnetically coupled to an ionizing radio frequency (r.f.) energy source is described. The r.f. energy source is an induction coil wound in the form of a toroidal helix to minimize microwave radiation leakage, and is placed within the envelope and in direct contact with the gas in order to maximize energy coupling to the gas.