Patent Grant
9224568
The present invention relates generally to lighting techniques. In particular, the present invention provides a method and device using a plasma lighting device having a arc tube configured for an electrode-less plasma lamp using an radio frequency source. Merely by way of example, such plasma lamps can be applied to applications such as stadiums, security, parking lots, military and defense, streets, large and small buildings, vehicle headlamps, aircraft landing, bridges, warehouses, ultraviolet (UV) water treatment, agriculture, architectural lighting, stage lighting, medical illumination, microscopes, projectors and displays, any combination of these, and the like.
From the early days, human beings have used a variety of techniques for lighting. Early humans relied on fire to light caves during hours of darkness. Fire often consumed wood for fuel. Wood fuel was soon replaced by candles, which were derived from oils and fats. Candles were then replaced, at least in part by lamps. Certain lamps were fueled by oil or other sources of energy. Gas lamps were popular and still remain important for outdoor activities such as camping. In the late 1800, Thomas Edison, who is the greatest inventor of all time, conceived the incandescent lamp, which uses a tungsten filament within a bulb, coupled to a pair of electrodes. Many conventional buildings and homes still use the incandescent lamp, commonly called the Edison bulb. Although highly successful, the Edison bulb consumed much energy and was generally inefficient.
Fluorescent lighting replaced incandescent lamps for certain applications. Fluorescent lamps generally consist of a tube containing a gaseous material, which is coupled to a pair of electrodes. The electrodes are coupled to an electronic ballast, which helps ignite the discharge from the fluorescent lighting. Conventional building structures often use fluorescent lighting, rather than the incandescent counterpart. Fluorescent lighting is much more efficient than incandescent lighting, but often has a higher initial cost.
Shuji Nakamura pioneered the efficient blue light emitting diode, which is a solid state lamp. The blue light emitting diode forms a basis for the white solid state light, which is often a blue light emitting diode within a bulb coated with a yellow phosphor material. Blue light excites the phosphor material to emit white lighting. The blue light emitting diode has revolutionized the lighting industry to replace traditional lighting for homes, buildings, and other structures.
Another form of lighting is commonly called the electrode-less lamp, which can be used to discharge light for high intensity applications. Frederick M. Espiau was one of the pioneers that developed an improved electrode-less lamp. Such electrode-less lamp relied upon a solid ceramic resonator structure, which was coupled to a fill enclosed in a bulb. The bulb was coupled to the resonator structure via rf feeds, which transferred power to the fill to cause it to discharge high intensity lighting. Although somewhat successful, the electrode-less lamp still had many limitations. As an example, electrode-less lamps have not been successfully deployed. Additionally, electrode-less lamps are generally difficult to disassemble and assembly leading to inefficient use of such lamps. These and other limitations may be described throughout the present specification and more particularly below.
From the above, it is seen that improved techniques for lighting are highly desired.
According to the present invention, techniques for lighting are provided. In particular, the present invention provides a method and device using a plasma lighting device having a arc tube configured for an electrode-less plasma lamp using an radio frequency source. Merely by way of example, such plasma lamps can be applied to applications such as stadiums, security, parking lots, military and defense, streets, large and small buildings, vehicle headlamps, aircraft landing, bridges, warehouses, ultraviolet (UV) water treatment, agriculture, architectural lighting, stage lighting, medical illumination, microscopes, projectors and displays, any combination of these, and the like.
In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a plasma lamp apparatus. The apparatus has an arc tube structure having an inner region and an outer region in one or more embodiments. The arc tube structure has a first end comprising an associated first end diameter and a second end comprising a second end diameter according to a specific embodiment. The apparatus also has a center region provided between the first end and the second end in one or more embodiments. The center region has a center diameter, which is less than a first end diameter and/or a second end diameter.
In one or more preferred embodiments, the smaller spatial region within a vicinity of the center region of the arc tube causes distribution of condensate to improve the illumination pattern and also redistribute the thermal profile. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
In an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides an arc tube having a stem structure protruding from at least one end of the arc tube. Preferably, the arc tube may also include any of the features noted herein.
Benefits are achieved over pre-existing techniques using the present invention. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method and device having configurations of input, output, and feedback coupling elements that provide for electromagnetic coupling to the bulb whose power transfer and frequency resonance characteristics that are largely independent of the conventional dielectric resonator, but can also be dependent upon conventional designs. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method and configurations with an arrangement that provides for improved manufacturability as well as design flexibility. Other embodiments may include integrated assemblies of the output coupling element and bulb that function in a complementary manner with the present coupling element configurations and related methods for street lighting applications. Still further, the present method and device provide for improved heat transfer characteristics, as well as further simplifying manufacturing and/or retrofitting of existing and new street lighting, such as lamps, and the like. In a specific embodiment, the present method and resulting structure are relatively simple and cost effective to manufacture for commercial applications. In a specific embodiment, the present invention includes a helical resonator structure, which increases inductance and therefore reduces the resonating frequency of a device. In a preferred embodiment, the present method and device uses an novel arc tube structure having desirable characteristics. Depending upon the embodiment, one or more of these benefits may be achieved. These and other benefits may be described throughout the present specification and more particularly below.
The present invention achieves these benefits and others in the context of known process technology. However, a further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the latter portions of the specification and attached drawings.
A more complete understanding of the present invention and its advantages will be gained from a consideration of the following description of preferred embodiments, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings provided herein. In the figures and description, numerals indicate various features of the invention, and like numerals referring to like features throughout both the drawings and the description.
According to the present invention, techniques for lighting are provided. In particular, the present invention provides a method and device using a plasma lighting device having a arc tube configured for an electrode-less plasma lamp using an radio frequency source. Merely by way of example, such plasma lamps can be applied to applications such as stadiums, security, parking lots, military and defense, streets, large and small buildings, vehicle headlamps, aircraft landing, bridges, warehouses, uv water treatment, agriculture, architectural lighting, stage lighting, medical illumination, microscopes, projectors and displays, any combination of these, and the like.
The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.
The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the Claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.
Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise and counter clockwise have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions between various portions of an object. Additionally, the terms “first” and “second” or other like descriptors do not necessarily imply an order, but should be interpreted using ordinary meaning.
As background for the reader, we would like to describe conventional lamps and their limitations that we discovered. Electrodeless plasma lamps driven by microwave sources have been proposed. Conventional configurations include a gas filled vessel (bulb) containing Argon and a light emitter such as Sulfur or Cesium Bromide (see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,476,557B1 and
This results in limitations that were discovered. Such limitations include a resonator/waveguide size that is too large for most commercial lighting applications since the resonator/waveguide will not fit within typical lighting fixtures (luminaires). In addition since the bulb was placed inside the air/resonator cavity, the arc of the bulb is not accessible for use in the design of reflectors for various types of luminaires used in commercial and industrial lighting applications.
In the configuration proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,737,809B2, Espiau, et al., the air inside the resonator is replaced with alumina resulting in reducing the size of the resonator/waveguide since the free-space wavelength (fundamental mode guided wavelength for this resonator/waveguide) is now reduced approximately by the square-root of the effective dielectric constant of the resonator body. See also
FIG. IA illustrates a general schematic for efficient energy transfer from RF source 1110 to gas fill vessel 1130. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. Energy from the RF source is directed to an impedance matching network 1210 that enables the effective transfer of energy from RF source to resonating structure 1220. An example of such impedance matching network is an E-field or H-field coupling element, but can be others. Another impedance matching network 1230, in turn, enables efficient energy transfer from resonator to gas fill vessel 1130 according to an embodiment of the present invention. An example of the impedance matching network is an E-field or H-field coupling element. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
In a specific embodiment, the gas filled vessel is made of a suitable material such as quartz or other transparent or translucent material. The gas filled vessel is filled with an inert gas such as Argon and a fluorophor such as Mercury, Sodium, Dysprosium, Sulfur or a metal halide salt such as Indium Bromide, Scandium Bromide, or Cesium Iodide (or it can simultaneously contain multiple fluorophors). Mercury, Thalium Iodide, and Indium Bromide according to a specific embodiment. The gas filled vessel can also includes a metal halide, or other metal pieces that will discharge electromagnetic radiation according to a specific embodiment. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
In a specific embodiment, a capacitive coupling structure 1131 is used to deliver RF energy to the gas fill within the bulb 1130. As is well known, a capacitive coupler typically comprises two electrodes of finite extent enclosing a volume and couples energy primarily using at least Electric fields (E-fields). As can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the impedance matching networks 1210 and 1230 and the resonating structure 1220, as depicted in schematic form here, can be interpreted as equivalent-circuit models of the distributed electromagnetic coupling between the RF source and the capacitive coupling structure. The use of impedance matching networks also allows the source to have an impedance other than 50 ohm; this may provide an advantage with respect to RF source performance in the form of reduced heating or power consumption from the RF source. Lowering power consumption and losses from the RF source would enable a greater efficiency for the lamp as a whole. As can also be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the impedance matching networks 1210 and 1230 are not necessarily identical.
One aspect of the invention is that the bottom of the assembly 1100, output coupling-element 1120, is grounded to the body 1600 and its conductive surface 1601 at plane 1101. The luminous output from the bulb is collected and directed by an external reflector 1670, which is either electrically conductive or if it is made from a dielectric material has an electrically conductive backing, and which is attached to and in electrical contact with the body 1600. Another aspect of the invention is that the top of the assembly 1100, top coupling-element 1125, is grounded to the body 1600 at plane 1102 via the ground strap 1710 and the reflector 1670. Alternatively, the reflector 1670 may not exist, and the ground strap makes direct electrical contact with the body 1600. Reflector 1670 is depicted as parabolic in shape with bulb 1130 positioned near its focus. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a wide variety of possible reflector shapes can be designed to satisfy beam-direction requirements. In a specific embodiment, the shapes can be conical, convex, concave, trapezoidal, pyramidal, or any combination of these, and the like. The shorter feedback E-field coupling-element 1635 couples a small amount of RF energy from the bulb/output coupling-element assembly 1100 and provides feedback to the RF amplifier input 1211 of RF amplifier 1210. Feedback coupling-element 1635 is closely received by the lamp body 1600 through opening 1612, and as such is not in direct DC electrical contact with the conductive surface 1601 of the lamp body. The input coupling-element 1630 is conductively connected with RF amplifier output 1212. Input coupling-element 1630 is closely received by the lamp body 1600 through opening 1611, and as such is not in direct DC electrical contact with the conductive surface 1601 of the lamp body. However, it is another key aspect of the invention that the top of the input coupling-element is grounded to the body 1600 and its conductive surface 1601 at plane 1631.
RF power is primarily inductively coupled strongly from the input coupling-element 1630 to the bulb/output coupling-element assembly 1100 through physical proximity, their relative lengths, and the relative arrangement of their ground planes. Surface 1637 of bulb/output coupling-element assembly is covered with an electrically conductive veneer or an electrically conductive material and is connected to the body 1600 and its conductive surface 1601. The other surfaces of the bulb/output coupling-element assembly including surfaces 1638, 1639, and 1640 are not covered with a conductive layer. In addition surface 1640 is optically transparent or translucent. The coupling between input coupling-element 1630 and output coupling-element 1120 and lamp assembly 1100 is found through electromagnetic simulation, and through direct measurement, to be highly frequency selective and to be primarily inductive. This frequency selectivity provides for a resonant oscillator in the circuit comprising the input coupling-element 1630, the bulb/output coupling-element assembly 1100, the feedback coupling-element 1635, and the amplifier 1210.
One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the resonant oscillator is the equivalent of the RF source 1110 depicted schematically in FIG. IA and
Sections 1110, 1111, and 1112 can all be made from the same material or from different materials. Section 1111 has to be transparent to visible light and have a high melting point such as quartz or translucent alumina. Sections 1110 and 1112 can be made from transparent (quartz or translucent alumina) or opaque materials (alumina) but they have to have low loss at RF frequencies. In the case that the same material is used for all three sections the assembly can be made from a single piece of material such as a hollow tube of quartz or translucent alumina. The upper section 1112 may be coated with a conductive veneer 1116 whose purpose is to shield electromagnetic radiation from the top-electrode 1125. The lower section 1110 may be partially coated with a conductive veneer 1117 whose purpose is to shield electromagnetic radiation from the output coupling-element 1120. The partial coating would extend to the portion of the lower section 1110 that protrudes from the lamp body 1600, as depicted in
In a specific embodiment, the arc tube structure can be configured with an aspect ratio ranging from about three halves to about three. Structures configured with aspect ratios outside of this range can be prone to performance instabilities, such as moving plasma, fluctuating lumen values, or undesired cold regions and the like. Also, the arc tube structure can be made of a quartz, translucent alumina, or other material or combination thereof. Second end 4020 can be elevated relative to first end 4010, or vice versa. An arc 4040 can be substantially exposed from center region 4030 to second end 4020. In a specific embodiment, center region 4030 can be spatially configured to cause a uniform temperature profile within the inner region from the center region to the second region. Center region 4030 can also be configured to maintain a vicinity of the inner region within a proximity of center region 4030 substantially free from an opaque fluid material. The arc tube structure can also be coupled to an rf source or an rf coupling element that is coupled to an rf source. Also, the arc tube structure can be coupled to a resonator, or other related device or combination of devices thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
As shown in
In a specific embodiment, the arc tube structure can be configured with an aspect ratio ranging from about three halves to about three. Structures configured with aspect ratios outside of this range can be prone to performance instabilities, such as moving plasma, fluctuating lumen values, or undesired cold regions and the like. Also, the arc tube structure can be made of a quartz, translucent alumina, or other material or combination thereof. Second end 4120 can be elevated relative to first end 4110, or vice versa. An arc can be substantially exposed from center region 4130 to second end 4120. In a specific embodiment, center region 4130 can be spatially configured to cause a uniform temperature profile within the inner region from the center region to the second region. Center region 4130 can also be configured to maintain a vicinity of the inner region within a proximity of center region 4130 substantially free from an opaque fluid material. The are tube structure can also be coupled to an rf source or an rf coupling element that is coupled to an rf source. Also, the arc tube structure can be coupled to a resonator, or other related device or combination of devices thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
As shown in
In a specific embodiment, the arc tube structure can be configured with an aspect ratio ranging from about three halves to about three. Structures configured with aspect ratios outside of this range can be prone to performance instabilities, such as moving plasma, fluctuating lumen values, or undesired cold regions and the like. Also, the arc tube structure can be made of a quartz, translucent alumina, or other material or combination thereof. Second end 4220 can be elevated relative to first end 4210, or vice versa. An arc can be substantially exposed from center region 4230 to second-end 4220. In a specific embodiment, center region 4230 can be spatially configured to cause a uniform temperature profile within the inner region from the center region to the second region. Center region 4230 can also be configured to maintain a vicinity of the inner region within a proximity of center region 4230 substantially free from an opaque fluid material. The arc tube structure can also be coupled to an rf source or an rf coupling element that is coupled to an rf source. Also, the arc tube structure can be coupled to a resonator, or other related device or combination of devices thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
In a specific embodiment, Device 4000, 4100, or 4200 can also include a fill material, which can be disposed within the inner region of the arc tube structure. The fill material can be configured to discharge a substantially white light. The discharged light can be representative of a black body source and can provide at least 120 lumens per watt. The fill material can include thulium bromide, indium bromide, dysprosium bromide, and Argon. In a specific embodiment, the amount of thulium bromide can range from about one third to about four thirds mg/cm3. The amount of indium bromide can range also range from about one third to about four thirds mg/cm3. The same range of dysprosium bromide can be used in the fill material as well. On the other hand, the amount of mercury can range from about 10 to about 13.333 mg/cm3. The mercury can be liquid mercury, which can be selectively metered. In other embodiments, the amounts of elements in the fill material can vary and the ratios between elements can differ. The amount of dysprosium bromide can be a determined amount to cause a selected color temperature, which can range from about 4000 Kelvin to about 5000 Kelvin. Also, the amount of Argon can be about 200 Torr. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
In a specific embodiment, stem structure 4050 can be a solid structure or a hollow structure. Stem structure 4050 can be shaped in a rod like manner or be configured to be inserted into a support member. In other embodiments, stem structure 4050 can be integrated from at least one end of the arc tube structure, which can be a quartz rod structure that is integrally coupled to the arc tube structure. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize other variations, modifications, or alternatives.
As shown in
In a specific embodiment, stem structure 4150 can be a solid structure or a hollow structure. Stem structure 4150 can be shaped in a rod like manner or be configured to be inserted into a support member. In other embodiments, stem structure 4150 can be integrated from at least one end of the arc tube structure, which can be a quartz rod structure that is integrally coupled to the are tube structure. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize other variations, modifications, or alternatives.
As shown in
In a specific embodiment, stem structure 4250 can be a solid structure or a hollow structure. Stem structure 4250 can be shaped in a rod like manner or be configured to be inserted into a support member. In other embodiments, stem structure 4250 can be integrated from at least one end of the arc tube structure, which can be a quartz rod structure that is integrally coupled to the arc tube structure. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize other variations, modifications, or alternatives.
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
1. Start;
2. Provide an arc tube structure;
3. Evacuate the arc tube structure;
4. Transfer starting gas(es) to the arc tube structure;
5. Transfer fill material to the arc tube structure;
6. Subject the are tube structure to a heat process;
7. Couple the stem structure to the arc tube structure; and
8. Stop.
These steps are merely examples and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. As shown, the above method provides a way of manufacturing a plasma lamp apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many other variations, modifications, and alternatives. For example, various steps outlined above may be added, removed, modified, rearranged, repeated, and/or overlapped, as contemplated within the scope of the invention.
As shown in
Following step 8002, an arc tube structure can be provided, step 8004. In a specific embodiment, the are tube structure can be configured with an ratio ranging from about three halves to about three. Structures configured with aspect ratios outside of this range can be prone to performance instabilities, such as moving plasma, fluctuating lumen values, or undesired cold regions and the like. The arc tube structure can have a first end associated with a first diameter, and a second end associated with a second diameter. The arc tube structure can also have a center region that is provided between first end and second end. The center region can have a center diameter that is less than the first or second end diameter. Also, the arc tube structure can be made of a quartz, translucent alumina, or other material or combination thereof. The second end can be elevated relative to the first end, or vice versa. An arc can be substantially exposed from the center region to the second end. In a specific embodiment, the center region can be spatially configured to cause a uniform temperature profile within the inner region from the center region to the second region. The center region can also be configured to maintain a vicinity of the inner region within a proximity of the center region substantially free from an opaque fluid material. The arc tube structure can also be coupled to an rf source or an rf coupling element that is coupled to an rf source. Also, the arc tube structure can be coupled to a resonator, or other related device or combination of devices thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
The inner region of the arc tube structure can then be evacuated, step 8006. The evacuation process can be done via a vacuum, motor device, or other any other evacuation device. One or more starting gases can be disposed within the inner region of the arc tube structure, step 8008. In an embodiment, the starting gas(es) can include Argon. The amount of Argon disposed within the inner region can be about 200 Torr, or any other determined amount. A fill material can also be disposed within the inner region of the arc tube structure, step 8010. The fill material can be configured to discharge a substantially white light. The discharged light can be representative of a black body source and can provide at least 120 lumens per watt. The fill material can include thulium bromide, indium bromide, dysprosium bromide, and Argon. In a specific embodiment, the amount of thulium bromide can range from about one third to about four thirds mg/cm3. The amount of indium bromide can range also range from about one third to about four thirds mg/cm3. The same range of dysprosium bromide can be used in the fill material as well. On the other hand, the amount of mercury can range from about 10 to about 13.333 mg/cm3. The mercury can be a liquid mercury, which can be selectively metered. In other embodiments, the amounts of elements in the fill material can vary and the ratios between elements can differ. The amount of dysprosium bromide can be a determined amount to cause a selected color temperature, which can range from about 4000 Kelvin to about 5000 Kelvin. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
In another embodiment, the following substances can be provided: a first volume of a rare gas, a first mount of a first metal halide, a second amount of a second metal halide, and a third amount of mercury. The first metal halide can include indium, aluminum, gallium, or the like. The second metal halide can include at least one lanthanide element, which can include thulium, dysprosium, holmium, cerium, ytterbium, or the like. The rare gas can include argon gas, xenon gas, krypton gas, or the like. These provided substances can be combined into the fill material. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, or alternatives.
Once the fill material has been transferred to the arc tube structure, the arc tube structure can be subjected to a heat process, step 8012. The heat (thermal) process can be characterized by a flame at a temperature ranging from about 1500 to 2500 degrees Celsius. The heat process can also be provided by any other means of transferring energy to the arc tube structure to cause a temperature increase. Following the heat process, a stem structure can be coupled to the arc tube structure, step 8014. The stem structure can be shaped in a rod like manner or be configured to be inserted into a support member. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize other variations, modifications, or alternatives.
The above sequence of processes provides a manufacturing method for a plasma lamp apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the method uses a combination of steps including providing an arc tube structure, evacuating the are tube structure, transferring starting gas(es) and fill material(s) into the arc tube structure, sealing the arc tube structure, and coupling the arc tube structure to a stem structure. Other alternatives can also be provided where steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein.
As shown in
1. Start;
2. Provide an open arc tube-structure;
3. Evacuate the arc tube structure;
4. Transfer starting gas(es) to the arc tube structure;
5. Transfer fill material to the are tube structure;
6. Seal the open arc tube structure via a heat process;
7. Form a stem structure at an end of the arc tube structure; and
8. Stop.
These steps are merely examples and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. As shown, the above method provides a way of manufacturing a plasma lamp apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many other variations, modifications, and alternatives. For example, various steps outlined above may be added, removed, modified, rearranged, repeated, and/or overlapped, as contemplated within the scope of the invention.
As shown in
Following step 9002, an open arc tube structure having an arc tube region and an open region can be provided, step 9004. In a specific embodiment, the arc tube structure can be configured with an aspect ratio of about three halves to about three. Structures configured with aspect ratios outside of this range can be prone to performance instabilities, such as moving plasma, fluctuating lumen values, or undesired cold regions and the like. The arc tube structure can have a first end associated with a first diameter, and a second end associated with a second diameter. The arc tube structure can also have a center region that is provided between first end and second end. The center region can have a center diameter that is less than the first or second end diameter. Also, the arc tube structure can be made of a quartz, translucent alumina, or other material or combination thereof. The second end can be elevated relative to the first end, or vice versa. An arc can be substantially exposed from the center region to the second end. In a specific embodiment, the center region can be spatially configured to cause a uniform temperature profile within the inner region from the center region to the second region. The center region can also be configured to maintain a vicinity of the inner region within a proximity of the center region substantially free from an opaque fluid material. The arc tube structure can also be coupled to an rf source or an rf coupling element that is coupled to an rf source. Also, the arc tube structure can be coupled to a resonator, or other related device or combination of devices thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
The inner region of the arc tube structure can then be evacuated, step 9006. The evacuation process can be done via a vacuum, motor device, or other any other evacuation device. One or more starting gases can be disposed within the inner region of the arc tube structure, step 9008. In an embodiment, the starting gas(es) can include Argon. The amount of Argon disposed within the inner region can be about 200 Torr, or any other determined amount. One or more materials can also be disposed within the inner region of the arc tube structure, step 9010. The materials can include a fill material, which can be configured to discharge a substantially white light. The discharged light can be representative of a black body source and can provide at least 120 lumens per watt. The fill material can include thulium bromide, indium bromide, dysprosium bromide, and Argon. In a specific embodiment, the amount of thulium bromide can range from about one third to about four thirds mg/cm3. The amount of indium bromide can range also range from about one third to about four thirds mg/cm3. The same range of dysprosium bromide can be used in the fill material as well. On the other hand, the amount of mercury can range from about 10 to about 13.333 mg/cm3. In other embodiments, the amounts of elements in the fill material can vary and the ratios between elements can differ. The amount of dysprosium bromide can be a determined amount to cause a selected color temperature, which can range from about 4000 Kelvin to about 5000 Kelvin. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
In another embodiment, the following substances can be provided: a first volume of a rare gas, a first mount of a first metal halide, a second amount of a second metal halide, and a third amount of mercury. The first metal halide can include indium, aluminum, gallium, or the like. The second metal halide can include at least one lanthanide element, which can include thulium, dysprosium, holmium, cerium, ytterbium, or the like. The rare gas can include argon gas, xenon gas, krypton gas, or the like. These provided substances can be combined into the fill material. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, or alternatives.
Once the fill material has been transferred to the arc tube structure, the open region of the arc tube structure can be sealed by being subjected to a heat process, step 9012. The heat (thermal) process can be characterized by a flame at a temperature ranging from about 1500 to 2500 degrees Celsius. The heat process can also be provided by any other means of transferring energy to the arc tube structure to cause a temperature increase. Also, the heat process can be used to form a pinched region where the open region was sealed. Following the heat process, a stem structure can be formed at an end of the arc tube structure, step 9014. The stem structure can be shaped in a rod like manner or be configured to be inserted into a support member. In a specific embodiment, the stem structure can be formed from a region within a vicinity of the pinched region. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize other variations, modifications, or alternatives.
The above sequence of processes provides a manufacturing method for a plasma lamp apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the method uses a combination of steps including providing an arc tube structure, evacuating the arc tube structure, transferring starting gas(es) and fill material(s) into the arc tube structure, sealing the arc tube structure while forming a pinched region, and forming a stem structure within a vicinity of the pinched region. Other alternatives can also be provided where steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein.
The resonant frequency of the compact air resonator/waveguide depends on a number of parameters including the diameter and length of the top (650) and bottom (625) sections, the length and diameter of the output coupling element (120), and the gap 140 between the output coupling element and the walls of the lamp body. By adjusting these parameters as well as other parameters of the compact air resonator/waveguide it is possible to design the resonator to operate at different resonant frequencies. By adjusting the lengths and the gap between the input coupling element (630) and the output coupling element (120) it is possible to optimize coupling of the RF power between an RF source and the bulb.
In one example embodiment, the bottom 625 of the lamp body 600 may consist of a hollow aluminum cylinder with a 5 cm diameter, and a height of 3.8 cm and the top portion 650 have a diameter of 1.6 cm and a height of 1.4 cm. The diameter of the input coupling element 630 is about 0.13 cm and the diameter of the output coupling element 120 is about 0.92 cm. The fundamental resonant frequency of such an air resonator/waveguide is approximately 900 MHz. By adjusting the various design parameters (dimensions of the lamp body, length and diameter of the output coupling element, gap between the output coupling element and the walls of the lamp body) as well as other parameters it is possible to achieve different resonant frequencies. Also it is possible by adjusting various design parameters to have numerous other design possibilities for a 900 MHz resonator. Based on the above example design one can see that the diameter of this air resonator/waveguide C (5 cm) is significantly smaller than air resonator A (16.5 cm) in prior art shown in
In alternative specific embodiments as shown, the present invention provides an alternative plasma lamp apparatus. The apparatus has a waveguide body having a maximum dimension of less than one half of a free space wavelength of a resonant frequency. The maximum dimension is selected from any one dimension in a three coordinate system. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
In still an alternative embodiment as shown, the present invention provides still an alternative plasma lamp apparatus. The apparatus has a gas filled vessel having a transparent or translucent body configured by an inner region and an outer surface region and a cavity being defined within the inner region. In a specific embodiment, the gas filled vessel has a first end portion and a second end portion. The apparatus has a maximum temperature profile spatially disposed within a center region of the gas filled vessel in a preferred embodiment, although the maximum may be slightly offset in some cases. In a specific embodiment, the center region is between the first end portion and the second end portion. In a preferred embodiment, the maximum temperature profile is within a vicinity of the outer surface region substantially free from interference with a solid resonator body region. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
As shown, the present invention provides a plasma lamp apparatus according to one or more embodiments. The apparatus comprises a gas filled vessel having a transparent or translucent body configured by an inner region and an outer surface region, a cavity being defined within the inner region and an rf source coupled to the gas filled vessel to cause electromagnetic radiation to pass through at least 50% of the outer surface region without reflection back into the inner region of the gas filled vessel. Moreover, the present invention provides a method for emitting electromagnetic radiation from a plasma lamp apparatus. The method includes generating electromagnetic radiation from within an inner region of a gas filled vessel using at least one or more rf sources configured to provide rf energy to the gas filled vessel and transmitting a portion of the electromagnetic radiation from the inner region of the gas filled vessel through at least 50% of an outer surface region of the gas filled vessel without substantial refection back into the inner region of the gas filled vessel. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
The present invention provides an electrode-less plasma lamp apparatus in yet an alternative embodiment as shown. The apparatus has a gas filled vessel having transparent or translucent body configured by an inner region and an outer surface region, a cavity being defined within the inner region, which is free from one or more electrode structures. The apparatus has a support body configured to mate with the gas filled vessel and an arc feature caused by electromagnetic radiation and having a first end and a second end provided spatially within the inner region. In a preferred embodiment, at least 50% of the arc feature is exposed when viewed from any spatial position within 360 Degrees and greater of an imaginary line normal to a center portion between the first end and the second end of the arc feature. In one or more embodiments, the arc feature is provided within the spatial region between a first end and a second end of the inner region. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
In yet other embodiments, the present invention provides an electrode-less plasma lamp apparatus. The apparatus has a gas filled vessel having transparent or translucent body configured by an inner region and an outer surface region and a cavity being defined within the inner region, which is free from one or more electrode structures. The apparatus also has a maximum electric field region configured within a portion of the inner region of the gas filled vessel. In a specific embodiment, the maximum electric field region is exposed from an exterior region of the gas filled vessel when viewed from any spatial position within 360 Degrees and greater of an imaginary line normal to a center portion of the gas filled vessel.
While the above is a full description of the specific embodiments, various modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents may be used. Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present invention which is defined by the appended claims.
This application is a divisional patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/004,868, filed Jan. 11, 2011, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes. The present application incorporates by reference, for all purposes, the following pending patent application: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/484,933, filed Jun. 15, 2009.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Child | 14106674 | US |
