Positive columns sustained jointly by microwaves and DC voltages for lighting applications: experimental results in pure argon

Abstract

In order to improve significantly the performance of fluorescent discharges in lighting applications, the concept of hybrid positive columns, which combines a direct current DC positive-column and a microwave plasma source at the cathode surface is introduced. The feasibility of such hybrid discharges, which can operate in the 10 W power range or below, is substantiated experimentally in pure argon. A first analysis of performance in terms of energy efficiency and energy savings is reported for comparison purposes with current fluorescent lamps.