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Understanding Mercury Vapor Lamps

Introduction

Mercury vapor lamps are a type of metal vapor lamp that rely on the emission of light from mercury atoms. Mercury is unique as it has a significant vapor pressure at room temperature, allowing for its use in these lamps.

Low-Pressure Mercury Vapor Lamps

Low-pressure mercury vapor lamps operate at moderate temperatures, resulting in a moderate increase in mercury pressure during operation. They emit light with characteristic spectral lines in the visible, ultraviolet, and sometimes infrared regions. These lamps are used in applications such as UV curing, water sterilization, and germicidal irradiation.

High-Pressure Mercury Vapor Lamps

High-pressure mercury vapor lamps operate at higher pressures and power densities, leading to increased light emission. They produce light with a higher radiance but tend to have a bluish-green color tone. These lamps are used for high-power lighting and projection displays.

Medium-Pressure Mercury Vapor Lamps

Medium-pressure mercury vapor lamps have characteristics between low and high-pressure lamps. They can be optimized to emit specific types of UV light for applications like disinfection and UV curing.

Applications

Mercury vapor lamps are used in various applications such as UV curing, water sterilization, high-power lighting, and projection displays. They are being gradually replaced by more energy-efficient alternatives like metal halide lamps.

Conclusion

Mercury vapor lamps offer unique properties for different applications due to their ability to emit light across various spectral regions. Understanding the differences between low, high, and medium-pressure lamps can help in selecting the right type for specific lighting needs.

Source: IndiaMART
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