Influence of Xe Gas Concentration on Plasma Parameters and Luminance Characteristics in Fluorescent Lamps driven by an Inductively Coupled Radio Frequency Discharge Using Ne/Xe Mixture Gases

Abstract

A mercury-free and electrodeless discharge fluorescent lamp is expected for preserving the environment and a long lifetime. Influence of Xe gas concentration on plasma parameters such as density and temperature of electrons and luminance characteristics is investigated in a fluorescent lamp driven by inductively coupled radio frequency discharge using Ne / Xe mixture gases. It is found that the electron density has a peak value for a Xe gas concentration of 1 % and then decreases with increasing the Xe gas flow rate, whereas the electron temperature takes a minimum value for the Xe gas concentration of 1 % and then increases with increasing the Xe gas concentration. The luminance of the fluorescent lamp decreases remarkably with increasing Xe gas concentration up to 1% and then gradually decreases. The color of the fluorescent lamp changes from red to purple when the Xe gas concentration increases.