Capacitively driven RF light source having notched electrode for improved starting
First Claim
1. A fluorescent light source comprising:
- a fluorescent lamp having first and second electrodes disposed at or near the ends thereof for capacitive coupling of RF electrical energy to a low pressure discharge within said fluorescent lamp, said first and second electrodes comprising conductive layers on the outside surface of said fluorescent lamp, one of said conductive layers defining a notch therein and a localized region of said fluorescent lamp;
starting means for initiating a low pressure discharge within said fluorescent lamp comprising means coupled to said RF source for applying the voltage of said RF source to said localized region of said fluorescent lamp; and
a RF source having a first output lead electrically coupled to said first electrode and a second output lead electrically coupled to said second electrode.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fluorescent light source includes a twin tube fluorescent lamp having first and second electrodes at or near the ends thereof for capacitive coupling of RF electrical energy to a low pressure discharge within the fluorescent lamp and a RF source having a first output lead electrically coupled to the first electrode and a second output lead electrically coupled to the second electrode. The capacitive coupling electrodes can be conductive layers on the outside surface of the twin tube fluorescent lamp. In an alternative configuration, the electrodes are cold cathode electrodes located within the twin tube fluorescent lamp. Filaments for emitting electrons are not required. When the RF voltage applied to the fluorescent lamp is not sufficient to initiate discharge, a starting device can be utilized. The fluorescent light source preferably includes a lamp base for supporting the fluorescent lamp. The RF source can be mounted within the lamp base.
68 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A fluorescent light source comprising:
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a fluorescent lamp having first and second electrodes disposed at or near the ends thereof for capacitive coupling of RF electrical energy to a low pressure discharge within said fluorescent lamp, said first and second electrodes comprising conductive layers on the outside surface of said fluorescent lamp, one of said conductive layers defining a notch therein and a localized region of said fluorescent lamp; starting means for initiating a low pressure discharge within said fluorescent lamp comprising means coupled to said RF source for applying the voltage of said RF source to said localized region of said fluorescent lamp; and a RF source having a first output lead electrically coupled to said first electrode and a second output lead electrically coupled to said second electrode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 8)
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6. A fluorescent light source comprising:
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a lamp base including a plug for installation in a lamp socket; a fluorescent lamp supported by said lamp base, said twin tube fluorescent lamp having first and second electrodes at or near the ends thereof for capacitive coupling of RF electrical energy to a low pressure discharge within said fluorescent lamp, said first and second electrodes comprising conductive layers on the outside surface of said fluorescent lamp, one of said conductive layers defining a notch therein and a localized region of said fluorescent lamp; starting means for initiating a low pressure discharge within said fluorescent lamp comprising means coupled to said RF source for applying the voltage of said RF source to said localized region of said fluorescent lamp; and a RF source located within said lamp base, said RF source having a first output lead electrically coupled to said first electrode and a second output lead electrically coupled to said second electrode. - View Dependent Claims (7)
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Specification