Abstract: In a method of fabricating a planar light source, a first substrate is formed at first. First electrodes approximately parallel to each other are formed on the first substrate. Sets of first dielectric patterns are formed on the first substrate. Each set of the first dielectric patterns includes at least two first striped dielectric patterns, and each of the first striped dielectric patterns covers one of the first electrodes correspondingly. The edges of the top of each first striped dielectric pattern are raised in a peak shape. A phosphor layer is formed between the first striped dielectric patterns of each set of the first dielectric patterns. A second substrate is formed. The first and second substrates are bound; meanwhile, a discharge gas is injected into the discharge space.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from an arc tube includes introducing an inert gas into the arc tube through a conduit extending through the lamp tubulation and exhausting the gas through the space between the conduit and the wall of the lamp tubulation. Contaminated gas thereby always flows away from the arc tube. The arc tube can be heated during the gas flushing process to release adsorbed water and vaporize volatile oxides. Gas is preferably flushed through the lamps tubulation during and after press sealing of electrodes into the arc tube to remove contaminants introduced during press sealing.

Abstract: A method for producing a gas discharge light source for emitting an electromagnetic radiation comprising a gas discharge tube filled with at least one discharge gas material and having a means for generating a gas discharge includes the following method steps: igniting the gas discharge tube filled with the discharge gas material, performing a forming operation in which the electrical operating power of the gas discharge light source is at least as high as the desired continuous operation power, the gas discharge tube is held at a temperature which is at least as high as the subsequent operating temperature, the intensity of the emitted electromagnetic radiation in the region of the desired wavelengths is monitored and the partial pressure of the vaporized discharge gas material is varied until the intensity of the selected electromagnetic radiation has reached a maximum value, whereupon a reservoir with excess discharge gas material is separated from the gas discharge tube in such a manner that the gas disch

Abstract: A metal-halide arc tube and lamp having improved uniformity of azimuthal luminous intensity and being particularly suited for navigational signal applications. The arc tube when operationally positioned about a vertical axis has a body which is substantially egg-shaped with the lower half of the body being more oblate than the upper half. During operation, the surface of the upper half of the arc tube body remains entirely free of metal-halide condensate so that no emitted light is blocked by condensate in any direction and nearly uniform azimuthal intensity is achieved. A heat-reflecting coating about the lower electrode prevents the formation of a condensate puddle about the lower electrode and relocates the condensate during operation to an area of the lower half above the coating and below the center of the arc tube.

Abstract: A sealed beam lamp having an outer envelope defining a gas-tight enclosure filled with an inert nonreactive gas at a pressure in the range of 5 to 50 Torrs, and an illuminating burner capsule mounted within the enclosure. The integrity of the gas-tight enclosure as well as the pressure of the gas is verified by creating a predetermined electrical potential within the enclosure to form a glow discharge in the gas if the gas pressure is within a predetermined range indicating the lamp is serviceable and an arc discharge if the gas pressure is in excess of the range indicating the lamp is defective.

Abstract: A method of producing a low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp which includes positioning a container in the lamp vessel of the lamp between the electrodes. The container holds a quantity of mercury required for operation of the lamp and is attached to a supporting element (wire). The supporting element is connected to a lead-in wire of a first electrode by a metal connecting wire. A direct current discharge is generated between the container and the second electrode, the mercury escapes from the container, thereafter the connection between the supporting element and the lead-in wire is interrupted.

Abstract: Substantially pure, free flowing, sodium amalgam particles of predetermined composition and controlled particle size are prepared for use as vaporizable fill for high pressure discharge lamp devices, whereby accurately measurable quantities of the sodium amalgam may be introduced into the lamp devices. A process for producing the substantially pure amalgam particles of accurately controlled size includes heating a mixture of sodium and mercury to form a melt, passing the melt through a vibrating discharge nozzle and subjecting the droplets so formed to an inert cooling fluid maintained at a temperature below the solidification point of the amalgam. An apparatus for producing the amalgam particles comprises a vessel to contain an alkali metal amalgam melt, a vibrating discharge nozzle adapted to form the melt into uniformly sized droplets, and a column of inert cooling fluid maintained at a low temperature at which the melt droplets are solidified.

Abstract: A mercury holder for electric discharge lamps, such as tubular fluorescent lamps, is mounted within the lamp envelope so as to serve as a target for bombardment by electrons and ions. The source of the bombardment may be the electrons emitted by one of the cathodes which impinge on the holder and which generate ions by collision with the gas fill in the lamp envelope. Alternatively, the source of the bombardment may be an arc discharge induced by a radio-frequency source across a gap between the holder and a lead-in conductor.