Contents
Source: Wikipedia
Arc Lamps: An Overview
Understanding Arc Lamps
Arc lamps are gas discharge lamps that operate based on an electrical arc rather than a glow discharge. They work in a regime with high plasma pressure and temperature, high degree of ionization, and low electrical resistance. Originally, arc lamps were mainly carbon arc lamps, but other types like high-pressure xenon lamps have been developed.
Types of Arc Lamps
Carbon Arc Lamps
Carbon arc lamps consist of graphite electrodes that create a high-temperature arc emitting bright white light. They have been used for lighting and projection displays but are now mostly replaced by xenon and metal halide lamps due to their low efficiency and short lifespan.
High Pressure Xenon Arc Lamps
High-pressure xenon arc lamps operate with high gas pressure, producing bright white light with a small light-emitting volume. They are used in various applications like projection displays and searchlights.
High Pressure Mercury Arc Lamps
High-pressure mercury arc lamps emit light in the ultraviolet region and are used for applications like UV lithography. They have long lifetimes and are suitable for specific industrial purposes.
Metal Halide Lamps
Metal halide lamps contain metal halides along with argon or xenon and mercury at high pressure to produce bright white light with high efficiency. They are used in sports arenas, industrial buildings, and automotive headlamps.
Arc Lamps for Laser Pumping
Arc lamps are commonly used for pumping continuous-wave solid-state lasers. They operate at high pressure and current densities, requiring cooling with deionized water. These lamps have been largely replaced by diode-pumped lasers due to their low efficiency and limited lifespan.
Conclusion
Arc lamps have evolved over time, offering various options for high-intensity lighting and laser pumping applications. While they were once widely used, advancements in technology have led to more efficient and long-lasting alternatives in the lighting and laser industry.
Source: ETC Shop
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