Method and apparatus for starting difficult to start electrodeless lamps using a field emission source
US5838108A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 14, 1996 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 14, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05B41/382
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrodeless lamp comprises an envelope containing a fill; a starting electrode in proximity to a given region of the envelope when lamp is started; a field emission source disposed inside the envelope at the given region; starting power source coupled to the electrode for applying an electric field to the field emission source to cause a discharge; and excitation power source coupled to the fill to sustain the discharge. A method for starting an electrodeless lamp is also disclosed, comprising the steps of providing bulb comprised of an envelope and a discharge forming fill in the envelope; providing a field emission source on an interior surface of the envelope at a given region; applying an electric field at the given region to cause field emission from the field emission source to cause a discharge; and coupling a power source to the fill to sustain the discharge.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.