Abstract: A photon pump for a laser with a switch added to prevent capacitor discharge after the laser reaches maximum florescence.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp is capable of easily achieving a reduction of power consumption only be being mounted on a conventional lighting apparatus, whether or not the lighting apparatus has a dimming function. The fluorescent lamp includes an arc tube; and a current suppressing section for suppressing a lamp current which flows in the arc tube, after the elapse of a predetermined time after the power is turned on, and during an operation of the fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: A string of miniature holiday lamps connected in a series circuit with each lamp having an indicating device connected in parallel to its respective lamp. The indicating device is operated in response to the non functioning of the lamp with which it is connected in parallel. When the lamp fails, the full line voltage of the series circuit passes through the indicating device causing it to activate, signaling the non functioning lamp. The signaling device can be a resistor associated with a thermochromic paint that changes color when activated by the heat from the resistor, a sound alarm, an odor activated device or an electroluminescent light. In another embodiment the signaling device can be used to indicate a circuit having a resistive load is energized.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp apparatus includes a fluorescent tube, a ballast circuit for lighting the fluorescent tube, a case for housing the ballast circuit and a holder provided at the end of the case for holding the fluorescent tube. The ballast circuit includes at least a first circuit board and a second circuit board, and the first and second circuit boards are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other in the case. This configuration can suppress an increase in the size of the apparatus and prevent thermal damage to the circuit elements during lamp operation.

Abstract: The description relates to gas-discharge lamps having electrode structures for dielectrically inhibited discharges, in which the electrodes are divided into separately operable groups for independently switchable operation.

Abstract: A semiconductor light source for illuminating a physical space has been invented. In various embodiments of the invention, a semiconductor such as and LED chip, laser chip, LED chip array, laser array, an array of chips, or a VCSEL chip is mounted on a heat sink. The heat sink may have multiple panels for mounting chips in various orientations. The chips may be mounted directly to a primary heat sink which is in turn mounted to a multi-panel secondary heat sink. A TE cooler and air circulation may be provided to enhance heat dissipation. An AC/DC converter may be included in the light source fitting.

Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp is provided with an arc tube and a starter. The starter includes a ferroelectric ceramic capacitor element with non-linear characteristics an a semiconductor switching element, connected in parallel to the arc tube. A pulse stopping thermally-actuated switch is connected in series to the ferroelectric ceramic capacitor element and is operated to OFF by heating of a heating resistor in a non-lighted state of the lamp. Without accompanying reduction of a starting function due to a temperature rise of the ferroelectric ceramic capacitor element, a safety function against a non-lighted state of the lamp is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting system with a high-pressure discharge lamp and a control unit (W, FS, C1, W) for the high-pressure discharge lamp (1), where the lamp base (10) has at least two housing parts (10a, 10b) which are connected to one another by a releasable closure (22). The first housing part (10a) has fastening means (24) for the at least one lamp vessel (11). The high-voltage part (TR) of the ignition device (TR, FS, C1) is accommodated in the first housing part (10a), whilst the second housing part (10b) is provided with the electrical connections (20) for the high-pressure discharge lamp (1) and preferably contains the remaining components (FS, C1) of the ignition device and the voltage converter (W) of the control unit.

Abstract: An integrated lamp/lamp electronics unit includes a lamp having a first end with first end electrical terminals, and a second end with second end electrical terminals. An end cap having an interior section is placed into electrical connection with the first end electrical terminals at the first end of the lamp. Lamp electronics are configured to control operation of the lamp and are connected only to the second end electrical terminals. The lamp electronics are carried on a circuit board having a configuration substantially matching the second end of the lamp portion. The circuit board is placed within the interior of a lamp electronics end cap, and the end cap is attached in a permanent relationship to the second end of the lamp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact 3-way fluorescent lamp that is designed to serve as a replacement for a 3-way incandescent bulb. This novel compact 3-way fluorescent lamp uses only two fluorescent tubes, where one tube has twice the wattage rating of the smaller rated tube. The lower wattage unit is a single U-shaped tube and the higher wattage unit is comprised of a pair of U-shaped tubes, having a cross connection at the base of the tubes, giving a continuous gas discharge path through a first U-shaped tube, a cross connecting element, and a second U-shaped tube. Therefore, this lamp gives the appearance of a triple biaxial fluorescent lamp having three U-shaped units, spaced 120 degrees apart, and mounted to the top surface of a ballast housing cover.

Abstract: A lamp securing device for securing a lamp (120) to a housing (110) including a retainer (130) including a peripheral portion that bounds an opening (300) of sufficient size for receiving a neck (170) of the lamp (120). The retainer (130) includes a plurality of flanges (310, 320) along the opening (300) which engage the neck (170) of the lamp (120) to securely attach the retainer (130) to the lamp (120).

Abstract: A flexible electroluminescence fiber has an electroluminescence device and electrodes disposed on both sides of the electroluminescence device. The surface of the electroluminescence device, including the electrodes, is covered with a thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting resin or an ultraviolet-curing resin, which is then cured. The resin surface is integrally formed with a function-assisting portion for assisting the function of the electroluminescence fiber to retain the sectional configuration of the electroluminescence fiber and to attain ease of installation on a wall surface or the like and replacement, and ease of electrical connection, and ease of increasing the amount and apparent width of light emitted from the electroluminescence fiber.

Abstract: An incandescent lamp is designed to operate at lower than the AC line voltage and includes a voltage conversion circuit for lowering the line voltage to the operating voltage of the lamp. The circuit includes an output transformer which is disposed in the screw base of the lamp, the remainder of the circuit, which is high-temperature-intolerant, being disposed outside the base and the envelope of the lamp. In a reflectorized embodiment of the lamp, the high-temperature-intolerant portion of the circuit is disposed adjacent to the mouth of the reflector envelope on the outer surface thereof and, in a non-reflectorized bulb embodiment, the high-temperature-intolerant portion is disposed between the envelope and a skirt which is connected to the base.

Abstract: A lighting device comprises a discharge lamp (7) which is connected to a ballast and starting device (1) either directly or via an electric cable (4). Alternatively said discharge lamp (7) can be mechanically and electrically coupled to an external starting device (5) and electrically connected to the ballast and starting device (1) via a connecting cable (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact 3-way fluorescent lamp that is designed to serve as a replacement for a 3-way incandescent bulb. This novel compact 3-way fluorescent lamp uses only two fluorescent tubes, where one tube has twice the wattage rating of the smaller rated tube. The lower wattage unit is a single U-shaped tube and the higher wattage unit is comprised of a pair of U-shaped tubes, having a cross connection at the base of the tubes, giving a continuous gas discharge path through a first U-shaped tube, a cross connecting element, and a second U-shaped tube. Therefore, this lamp gives the appearance of a triple biaxial fluorescent lamp having three U-shaped units, spaced 120 degrees apart, and mounted to the top surface of a ballast housing cover.

Abstract: In an electronic ballast comprising a fusistor for switching off the ballast if the mains supply current becomes too high, an NTC is arranged between the mains supply lines. A very reliable functioning of the fusistor is obtained thereby.

Abstract: A printed wiring board assembly for a compact fluorescent lamp unit that has a lamp portion and a base portion includes a first generally planar wiring board containing a first group of electronic components electrically connected to the lamp portion and a second generally planar wiring board containing a second group of electronic components electrically connected to the base portion. The first board is attached generally perpendicular to the second board and is in electrical communication with the second board.

Abstract: This application relates to a discharge lamp for producing dielectric impediments which has a new electrode configuration with a meandering shape. In this case, either the anode(s) or both the anode(s) and the cathode(s) are of meandering shape.

Abstract: A compact lamp unit is described which functions both as a fluorescent lamp and as a nightlight. The lamp unit includes a housing, a fluorescent tube, a low power light source, a conductive base and first and second circuits. The housing is used to contain a number of components and to support the fluorescent tube and low power light source. The conductive base is attached to a neck portion of the housing and has contact terminals adapted for a three-way lamp socket. The first circuit is electrically connected between the fluorescent tube and two of the contact terminals to drive the fluorescent tube. The second circuit is electrically connected between the low power light source and two of the contact terminals to drive the low power light source.

Abstract: A lamp apparatus for a liquid crystal display that is adaptive for providing a thin-thickness liquid crystal display. In the apparatus, a ground wire is commonly connected to low voltage electrodes of lamps. High voltage wires are connected, in series, to high voltage electrodes of the lamps. A first plug connects at least one of the high voltage wires and the ground wire. A second plug connects the other high voltage wires.

Abstract: A compact circuit assembly is provided for containment within the end of a circular fluorescent lamp envelope. The circuit assembly includes a plurality of circular circuit boards arranged along the length of the envelope end and having respective peripheries contacting an inner surface of the envelope. The circuit boards are interconnected and held in spaced-apart positions by a plurality of longitudinally-extending conductors which also serve as electrical buses for making electrical connections.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic ballast for discharge lamp, comprising a container with a wall, electronic components and at least one electroconductive element, which forms a connection between the individual electronic components and/or which can form a connection between the electronic components and the discharge lamp. According to the invention, at least a part of the conductive element extends parallel to the wall and is enclosed in the material of the wall.

Abstract: A capped electric lamp comprises a cap which is secured to a light-transmitting lamp vessel having an electric element, which lamp cap is provided with a projecting contact pin (4) having an axis (11). An electric conductor (5) is connected to the electric element and the contact pin (4). The contact pin (4) is unilaterally deformed in an inward direction so as to form an indentation (15) for fixing the electric conductor (5). According to the invention, the electric conductor (5) in the contact pin (4) does not extend substantially beyond a boundary (16) of the indentation (15). Preferably, the indentation (15) has a pinch portion (17) for weakening the electric conductor during the deformation of the contact pin (4). Said pinch portion (17) preferably deepens at an angle &agr; with respect to the axis (11), wherein 25°≦&agr;≦45°. In addition, the indentation (15) has a press portion (18) for fixing the electric conductor (5) in the contact pin (4).

Abstract: The invention concerns the configuration of a fluorescent lamp, which consists only of a single, straight glass tube as gas discharge vessel, which is modified to a “compact fluorescent lamp” with integrated ballast by one-sided mounting by means of electrical connections applied to the glass tube.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp lighting apparatus includes a fluorescent light emitting tube; and an electronic lighting circuit for applying an electric current to the fluorescent light emitting tube. The electronic lighting circuit includes a pair of electrode filaments provided in the fluorescent light emitting tube, a pair of capacitors each connected in series to a respective one of the pair of electrode filaments and connected parallel to the fluorescent light emitting tube, and an inductor connected in series to one of the pair of electrode filaments.

Abstract: A configurable power (10) module for a lamp accepts a wide variety of components and component combinations. The power module can accept a ballast (412), a capacitor (420), an ignitor (416), a voltage selector (44), a wattage selector (460), a switched quartz line lamp relay (440), and a bi-level relay (not shown). Various types and sizes of ballasts, capacitors and ignitors are accommodated. A socket (26) for the ignitor can be a GE ignitor socket. The power socket can aid field diagnostics. Mounting means (84) provided on the power module make it compatible with a wide variety of lighting fixtures.

Abstract: A sparkplug having multiple side discharge negative electrodes and employing an integral capacitor extending from the plug body to the area of the connector to the ignition system to effectively store the electrical energy normally lost during the rise time of the ignition transformer, and to discharge the stored energy across the electrode gap. The body (2) has a cylindrical extension which serves as the negative plate (10) of the capacitive element. A positive electrode (8) forms the interior portion of the sparkplug. One end of the positive electrode forms a spark gap (9) with two or more negative electrodes (7). The other end of the positive electrode (8) connects by means of a resistive connector (4) to a conventional high-voltage ignition cable. The positive electrode (8) serves as the positive plate of the capacitive element.

Abstract: A lamp socket is provided which contains a ballast, or lamp driver which remains in the socket when the tube is replaced and supports the gas discharge tube. The lamp socket includes connectors for attachment to the gas discharge tube, lamp driver circuitry including an oscillator, power semiconductors, and protective and filter circuitry, and a housing containing the lamp driver circuitry including an oscillator, power semiconductors, and protective and filter circuitry.

Abstract: A high-pressure discharge lamp has integrated in its base or base housing a circuit arrangement (SCH) which combines a starting device and a power reducing circuit which comprises a phase-gating control (PS). A capacitor (C2) connected in parallel with the lamp (L) provides a transfer voltage which is distinctly higher than the input voltage of the arrangement.

Abstract: The invention concerns a construction kit system for fluorescent lamps (1) with separate choke unit. Standard low-power modules which are cheap and easy to manufacture can in particular be plugged in any combinations into choke units fitted as compact lights or in lamp housings. A number of examples are given to show the new possibilities for constructing lighting systems. These fluorescent lamps each have a replaceable light element comprising at least one gas discharge vessel (1) with a base at one end as the light element and at least one choke unit (6) in the form of a separate unit fitted in a housing and capable of electrical connection via plug connectors (2) to the light element. The light element is designed as a standard low-power module with a glass tube diameter of the gas discharge vessel of no more than 13 mm, thus allowing it to be plugged into different housings individually or in groups.

Abstract: An enhanced high-intensity discharge lamp and enhanced lighting device using the lamp, wherein feed-conductor is coupled being without off-centered and/or a discharge lamp light-transmissive ceramic enclosure and the feed-conductor is sealed at a high-reliability, are provided. The coil portion in formed on the sealable portion of the feed-conductor, to which the refractory portion and the outer protrusion of the sealable portion are inserted to be coupled. The feed-conductor is inserted into the light-discharge lamp light-transmissive ceramic enclosure from the small diameter cylinder portion, then the gap between the sealable portion and the inner surface of the small diameter cylinder portion is sealed by the sealant of the ceramic sealing compound. When the ceramic sealing compound which has melted in the sealing operation enters into the interior of the mid-portion of the coil portion and then it is solidified therein, a thick sealant film is formed inside the coil portion.

Abstract: A first lamp base assembly is provided which includes two separate base components. The first base component is attachable to a lamp via a lamp retainer and to the second base component. The second base component is attachable to the first base component and to a connector. The second base component may be a straight base component or an angled base component. Since either one of the second base components may be attached to the first base component, an adjustable lamp base assembly is provided which may be assembled as a straight or an angled lamp base. A second lamp base assembly is provided which includes a base which is attachable to a connector and one of various differently configured lamp attachment members, such attachment members being adapted to be attachable to a lamp via a lamp retainer. Since various lamp attachment members may be attached to the base, an adjustable lamp base assembly is provided which may be adapted for use with different lamps.

Abstract: A programmable gradual illumination device (10) for disposition intermediate a conventional light fixture (100) and a conventional light bulb (200). The device (10) includes a housing member (20) having a threaded base element (21) dimensioned to engage the light fixture (100) and a threaded socket element (22) adapted to receive the base end (201) of the light bulb (200). The housing member (20) is provided with a programmable timer unit (13) and a variable resistance unit (12) which are operatively connected to a control unit (14) which includes a selector switch (50) and circuitry that will allow electrical current to flow directly from the fixture (100) to the bulb (200) from the fixture (100) through the programmable timer unit (13) to the bulb (200) and from the fixture (100) through both the programmable timer unit (13) and the variable resistance unit (12) to the bulb (200) for different lighting conditions.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp and ballast assembly is designed to thermally isolate a ballast circuit from the illuminated lamp and thereby reduce the heat surrounding the ballast circuit. The fluorescent lamp of the assembly is attached to a housing that reduces the heat transferred to the ballast circuit. The housing includes a bowl-shaped member, a shield, and a thermal isolation member connected between the bowl-shaped member and the shield. The bowl-shaped member is designed to hold and encircle the electronic ballast circuit, and the shield is designed to engage and secure the fluorescent lamp and attached cathode lead wires of the invention. The thermal isolation member is connected between the bowl-shaped member and the shield, and provides an air gap between the lamp and the ballast circuit.

Abstract: An assembly for use with a compact fluorescent lamp includes a socket and an adapter. The socket includes a housing having a top surface and a recess extending downward from the top surface toward the bottom end of the socket. The recess is shaped and dimensioned to receive the starter housing of the compact fluorescent lamp. Provided on the top surface are a plurality of spaced apart holes, each hole being positioned to receive one of the terminal pins of the fluorescent lamp. The adapter is designed to connect the compact fluorescent lamps having different types of base configurations with the socket. The adapter includes a base from which a starter housing and a plurality of terminal pins extend downward. The starter housing is positioned to be telescopically received by the recess of the socket. The starter housing is surrounded by the terminal pins that are positioned away from one another in order to be inserted in the spaced apart holes of the socket.

Abstract: A ballast circuit for a compact fluorescent lamp includes a down-converter for operating the lamp with a DC current during stationary operation. First and second input terminals provide a DC supply voltage and first and second output terminals connect to the lamp. The down-converter has a first switch and a diode serially connected to the input terminals and an inductor coupled to the first switch and to one output terminal. A second switch is coupled to the output terminal. A control circuit operates the first switch at a high frequency. During the preheating and ignition phase, the down-converter is operated in the continuous mode and during stationary operation in the discontinuous mode by control of the switching frequency of the first switch.

Abstract: A sealed lamp unit for a fluorescent lamp system includes first and second lamp electrodes located at respective end points of the sealed lamp unit. The lamp electrodes extend into the sealed lamp unit. A first lead wire extends into the sealed lamp unit. A first extended wire connection has a first end electrically connected to the first lamp electrode and a second end electrically connected to the first lead wire. A first capacitive impedance, electrically connected in series between the first and second ends of the first extended wire connection, limits a current flow through the first extended wire connection. A breakdown voltage path within the sealed lamp unit is modified as a function of a position of the first lead wire.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for lighting a plurality of compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), each connectable in parallel to a power supply line via an adaptor, the system comprising a central dimming device connectable to receive power from mains and having outlet terminals for supplying predetermined, selectable power to the power supply line to which the plurality of CFL are connectable.

Abstract: A fluorescent lighting system has: (A) a central power supply including: (i) a parallel-resonant self-oscillating bridge inverter operative to provide a 35 kHz sinusoidal output voltage at a pair of primary output terminals; (ii) a tank-inductor and a tank-capacitor parallel-connected across the primary output terminals; and (iii) plural pairs of secondary output terminals, each connected with the primary output terminals via its own dedicated current-limiting sub-circuit; thereby to prevent a load connected therewith from drawing more than a certain amount of power; thereby, in turn, to render each pair of secondary output terminals fire-hazard-safe and shock-hazard-safe; each pair of secondary power output terminals being connected with its own power output receptacle; and (B) a light-weight power cord plug-in-connected with one of the power output receptacles and having a pair of power conductors between which are connected a number of individually ballasted lighting units; each lighting unit having at lea

Abstract: A light source system includes a heat sink. A base connector receives electrical power. A housing is secured to the base connector. A ballast unit is secured within the housing and electrically connected to the base connector. At least one electrical component is both mechanically and electrically connected to the ballast unit. The at least one electrical component is driven by the electrical power received by the base connector. A lamp unit is secured to the housing and electrically connected to the ballast unit. An additional electrical component includes a portion which contacts an inside wall of the housing. The additional electrical component is electrically connected to the ballast unit and has a life span which decreases as an operating temperature of the additional electrical component increases. The inside wall of the housing acts as the heat sink for the additional electrical component.

Abstract: A design for a field emission device comprising a cold cathode emitter, a control gate and a focus gate, is discussed. The focus gate is connected to the emitter voltage source and a ballast resistor is inserted between this connection point and the emitter. This ensures that the focus gate will always be more negative than the emitter, this difference in potential increasing with increasing emitter current. This leads to a linear current-voltage characteristic for the device and also makes for a tighter electron beam than that provided by designs of the prior art, A physical realization of the design is described along with a cost effective method for manufacturing said physical realization.

Abstract: A sealed lamp unit for a three-way fluorescent lamp system comprises first and second lamp electrodes located at respective end points of, and extending into, the sealed lamp unit. The sealed lamp unit comprises at least one gas, which breaks-down when an electrical voltage potential is created within the sealed lamp unit. A third lamp electrode is located between the first and second lamp electrodes and extends into the sealed lamp unit. A brightness level of light output from the sealed lamp unit is a function of energizing selected electrodes. A color of the light is independent of the brightness level. A first extended wire connection is electrically connected between the first and second lamp electrodes. A first capacitive impedance, electrically connected in series along the first extended wire connection, limits a current flow through the first extended wire connection. A breakdown voltage path within the sealed lamp unit is modified as a function of a position of the third lamp electrode.

Abstract: An integrated reflector lamp includes a sealed envelope enclosing a high pressure gas discharge device. A shell has a rim portion which receives the sealed envelope and an opposing basal portion carrying a screw base. A ballast for igniting and operating the discharge device is enclosed within the shell between the screw base and the sealed envelope. The sealed envelope includes a reflective surface which directs light emitted by the discharge device. The reflective surface also provides effective heat management for preventing overheating of the ballast by the heat generated by the discharge device. The integrated lamp has photometrics and luminous efficacy which exceeds that of corresponding halogen and halogen IR reflector lamps while having an overall planform which fits within that of the corresponding lamp.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp (1) having a tubular discharge vessel (2), filled with ert gas, and a fluorescent layer (6) has elongated electrodes (3; 4; 12; 14a-14d) arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular discharge vessel (2), at least one electrode (4; 12; 14a-14d) being arranged on the inner wall of the discharge vessel (2). The tubular discharge vessel (2) is sealed in a gas-tight fashion at one or at both ends with a stopper (8) and by means of solder (9), the at least one inner wall electrode (4) being guided to the outside in a gas-tight fashion through the solder (9). Alternatively or also in addition, at least one electrode (16) is arranged inside the wall of the discharge vessel (2). Up to a maximum of the entire inside diameter can be used as striking distance, depending on the positioning of the associated counterelectrode(s). High luminous densities are achieved because of the large and, at the same time, constant striking distance along the discharge tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass envelope for an illuminating device, the glass envelope comprising a gas channel, a pair of electrodes in communication with the gas channel and a glow-discharge lamp as a source of free electrons coupled to the glass envelope to assist the starting of the illuminating device in dark conditions, for example at night. Preferably, the glass envelope has a front and back surface laminated and integrated together to form a unitary body essentially free of any sealing materials.

Abstract: A coil assembly for an electrodeless fluorescent lamp comprises a hollow ferrite core 30, and a coil 31. The core is retained on a base 32 by a coil former 34 surrounding the core. The core 30 is retained in the former 34 by a circlip 33 or projections. The coil 31 is wound on the former. Pins 36 to which the coil is soldered connect the coil to an energizing circuit.

Abstract: A first lamp base assembly is provided which includes two separate base components. The first base component is attachable to a lamp via a lamp retainer and to the second base component along a planar surface. The second base component included a number of drive pins embedded in a plastic base. The pin heads define a locating surface that a planar surface of the first component unit may be adjusted across and welded to. The drive pins are inexpensive, and once they are mutually welded to the first component, they cannot unthread from the first component. A lamp including the foregoing lamp base assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A housing sealed to a glass jewel forming a chamber in which is placed light emitting diodes mounted to a printed circuit board with other electrical components. The chamber is filled with a silicon elastomer which thermally insulates the glass jewel and enhances its impact resistance.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp system includes a housing. An external base connector is mounted in the housing. The external base connector receives electrical power from an external source. A ballast unit is secured within the housing and electrically connected to the external base connector. The ballast unit controls the electrical power received from the external source. The compact fluorescent lamp system also includes a lamp unit. The lamp unit includes an amalgam ball pellet within the lamp unit, first and second lamp electrodes extending into the lamp unit, and a gas which breaks-down, permitting an electrical current to pass through the lamp unit. An inside wall of the lamp unit is coated with a material which fluoresces when the gas within the sealed lamp unit ionizes. The lamp unit also includes an extended wire connection having a first end electrically connected to one of the first and second lamp electrodes and a second end located near another point on the lamp unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for signaling promotional operation of a gaming device using existing fluorescent illumination lamps. An illumination lamp on a gaming device is operated continuously during normal operation, then flashed to signal promotional operation. Alternatively, an illumination lamp can be dimmed during normal operation, then operated at full brightness during promotional operation. To achieve flashing and dimming operation, a conventional starter is removed from a socket in a fluorescent lamp fixture and replaced with a controllable starter that fits into the same socket. The starter has a pair of wire leads for receiving a control signal for flashing or dimming the lamp. The controllable starter includes a starter circuit having a switch connected between two power terminals of the starter. When the switch closes responsive to the control signal, it shorts circuits the lamp, thereby extinguishing the arc and allowing preheat current to flow in the heating filaments of the lamp.