New fluorescent lamps for interior lighting

Abstract

The birth of a new generation of 'de luxe' fluorescent lamps with both a high luminous efficacy and good colour rendering properties coincides more or less with the introduction of improved amalgam lamps. The paper surveys the characteristic properties of both the new generation lamps and amalgam lamps, and discusses the use of these in luminaires. Although the use of rare earth activated phosphors makes these lamps more expensive than conventional 'de luxe' lamps, calculations show that the higher lamp prices are more than counterbalanced by the savings. New technology, making use of a mercury capsule in the lamp, has brought the amalgam lamp within practical reach. These two developments mean a significant step forward in interior lighting.