Most of all, tubular fluorescent lamps are produced and used in the household, which convert radiation in the ultraviolet range of an electric arc in mercury vapor using a phosphor layer into a visible optical one. They consist of a glass flask, at the ends of which the legs of the electrodes are soldered. An inert gas is introduced into the flask , which facilitates ignition. Small mercury lamps are manufactured in small quantities and have a reduced mercury content compared to conventional fluorescent long lamps. All fluorescent light sources have a longer life compared to others.
Mercury lamps are divided into the following types:
- discharge devices for low-pressure lighting, which include conventional fluorescent and compact fluorescent;
- discharge light sources of high and ultrahigh pressure, these are, in fact, mercury lamps of high and ultrahigh pressure, metal halide, mercury-xenon and others.
The device of high pressure light sources
High-pressure mercury lamps are most commonly manufactured as DRL lamps. They have an elliptical glass flask. A tubular quartz burner is integrated inside. It is made of transparent quartz glass. There are four electrodes in the flask. Its internal space is filled with inert gases in strict proportion.
It also contains mercury, which may take the form of a ball or plaque on the walls of the burner. Instead of air, nitrogen is pumped into the flask. A layer of phosphor is applied to the glass from the inside, which, receiving
ultraviolet radiation, turns it into visible light. A gas discharge resulting from a voltage supply is a light source.
Ultrahigh-pressure mercury lamps are similarly designed. On their flasks, a matte or mirror finish can be applied. They are equipped with a choke, the purpose of which is to reduce the supplied electric current. Without a throttle, they instantly fail. After applying voltage, the mercury lamps gain brightness within six to eight minutes. In the same period, mercury in it passes into a gaseous state. After that, the lamp starts to work in the normal mode of combustion.
Arcing mercury light sources
This is one of the types of gas discharge devices for high pressure lighting. They differ from all other special additives. They can have warm, neutral and cold light. Arc mercury lamps in which emitting additives are introduced, or high-pressure metal halide lamps are used for general and special lighting, and are also installed in various devices and devices. These are compact powerful and efficient light sources that are used in the lighting ramps of railway lines, quarries and other large open areas. They are also used to illuminate scenes, studios, industrial buildings, with their help they perform outdoor lighting of architectural attractions. They are used in floodlights with special optics.