15-09-2017, 12:50 PM
The history of RF illumination, the basic ideas of non-electrode RF lamps, the classification and properties of different types of RF discharges suitable for lighting. The idea of radiofrequency (RF) illumination, as well as the first patent of the RF lamp, appeared well before the first fluorescent and high pressure lamps hit the market. It took more than a century for the first commercial RF lamp to appear, introducing a new era in light production. Progress in semiconductor power switching electronics, coupled with a deeper understanding of the fundamental processes in RF plasmas, have resulted in commercially viable RF light sources. RF light sources follow the same basic principles of converting electrical energy into visible radiation like conventional gas discharge lamps. The fundamental difference between RF lamps and conventional lamps is that RF lamps work without electrodes (anode and cathode). This has profound consequences on the characteristics and characteristics of the RF lamp. We consider different types of RF discharges and their advantages and limitations for lighting applications. We also describe examples of successful embodiments of different types of RF lamps.