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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Twin anode beam mode fluorescent lamp

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6436762
The lamp shown herein is a beam mode fluorescent lamp for general lighting applications. The lamp comprises a light transmitting envelope, having a phosphor coating on its inner surface, enclosing a thermionic cathode for emitting electrons, a pair of anodes for accelerating the electrons and forming electron beams, and a fill material, such as mercury, which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation. The two anode configuration provides an extended region of electron beam excitation. In addition, a separate cathode heater filament is not required due to the anode configuration. As a result this lamp is operated with a single power source and only two conductors connecting the power source to the electrodes. This invention further provides a high degree of self-stabilization of discharge current by means of the twin parallel anode configuration.
Assignee:
GTE Laboratories Incorporated
Patent Number(s):
US 4518897
OSTI ID:
6436762
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English