Fluorescent Lamp

Type: Device

Description: A fluorescent lamp is a type of gas-discharge light source that generates visible light by exciting mercury vapor with an electric current. This excitation produces ultraviolet (UV) light, which then causes a phosphor coating on the inside of the lamp to glow, emitting visible light. Fluorescent lamps are known for their energy efficiency and longer lifespan compared to incandescent lamps.

Attributes:

• Basic Structure:

  • Tube: A glass tube filled with a low-pressure mixture of mercury vapor and an inert gas, usually argon.
  • Electrodes: Located at both ends of the tube, they emit electrons when heated by an electric current.
  • Phosphor Coating: Applied to the inside surface of the tube, it fluoresces when exposed to UV light, emitting visible light.
  • Ballast: A device that regulates the current to the lamp, ensuring proper operation and starting.
  • Starters (in older models): Help initiate the lamp's operation by temporarily providing a surge of voltage.

• Characteristics:

  • Luminous Efficacy: Higher than incandescent lamps, typically around 50-100 lumens per watt.
  • Lifespan: Longer operational life, generally between 7,000 to 15,000 hours.
  • Color Temperature: Available in various color temperatures, from warm white (2700K) to cool daylight (6500K).
  • Dimmability: Not all fluorescent lamps are dimmable; special dimmable ballasts are required.
  • Light Quality: Can be engineered to have high color rendering indices (CRI), though typically lower than incandescent and LED lamps.

• Efficiency:

  • Energy Consumption: Uses significantly less energy than incandescent lamps for the same light output.
  • Heat Generation: Produces less heat compared to incandescent lamps, contributing to higher energy efficiency.

Relationships:

• Applications:

  • General Lighting: Widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings for ambient lighting.
  • Task Lighting: Used in offices and workspaces for specific, focused lighting needs.
  • Specialized Uses: Includes applications in signage, aquariums, and UV sterilization when using special phosphor coatings or tube designs.

• Related Technologies:

  • Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs): A smaller, more compact version of fluorescent lamps designed to replace incandescent bulbs in standard fixtures.
  • LED Lamps: Modern, energy-efficient alternatives to fluorescent lamps, offering longer lifespans and greater efficiency.
  • Incandescent Lamps: The traditional form of electric light that fluorescent lamps were designed to replace due to their lower energy efficiency.