Bright idea, radio-frequency light sources

Abstract

The idea of radio frequency (RF) lighting, as well as the first RF lamp patent, appeared long before the first fluorescent and high-pressure lamps came onto the market. It took over a century for the first commercial RF lamp to appear, introducing a new era in the production of light. Progress in semiconductor power switching electronics, along with a more thorough understanding of fundamental processes in RF plasmas, have resulted in commercially viable RF light sources. RF light sources follow the same basic principles of converting electrical power into visible radiation as conventional gas discharge lamps. The fundamental difference between RF lamps and conventional lamps is that RF lamps operate without electrodes (anode and cathode). This has profound consequences on RF lamp characteristics and features. We consider different kinds of RF discharges and their advantages and restrictions for lighting applications. We also describe examples of successful realizations of different kinds of RF lamps.