A gas discharge lamp, also known as a discharge tube or gas-filled bulb, refers to a type of lighting device that emits light by passing an electrical current through a gas or mixture of gases. This type of lamp relies on the process of gas discharge, where electricity ionizes the gas atoms, causing them to emit photons and produce visible light.
These lamps consist of a glass or quartz tube that is filled with a specific gas or mixture of gases at low pressure. The most commonly used gases in gas discharge lamps include neon, argon, mercury vapor, and xenon. Each gas produces a unique spectrum of colors when it emits light.
When a high voltage is applied across the electrodes at either end of the tube, it initiates a flow of charged particles or ions. This electrical discharge excites the gas atoms, causing them to emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation. To convert the UV light into visible light, the inside surface of the tube is coated with a phosphor material that fluoresces when exposed to UV radiation.
Gas discharge lamps are commonly used in various applications, including street lighting, indoor and outdoor illumination, automotive headlights, fluorescent lamps, and neon signs. These lamps offer several advantages, such as high brightness, energy efficiency, long lifespan, and the ability to produce a wide range of colors. However, they also require a ballast or power supply to regulate the electrical current and voltage, ensuring stable and safe operation.
