Compositions of mercury isotopes for lighting
US8975810B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 13, 2014 |
| Grant date | Mar 10, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J61/72
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Described herein is a mercury sample that has an isotopic composition that differs from the naturally occurring distribution of isotopes. In various configurations of an isotopically tailored mercury sample, the fraction of one or more isotopes is increased or decreased with respect to the natural fraction(s). A example of a lighting device comprises an envelope, a buffer gas enclosed within the envelope, a isotopically tailored sample of mercury vapor, and a current injection mechanism configured to excite the mercury vapor to emit light. In various configurations, the lighting device emits radiation at a wavelength of 254 nm and/or at a wavelength of 185 nm. In various configurations, the lighting device envelope includes a fluorescent coating that is excited by ultraviolet (UV) light emitted by the mercury vapor. In various configurations, the lighting device provides improved efficiency as compared to lamps employing mercury with a naturally occurring isotope distribution.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.