Short Pulsed Voltage Dielectric Barrier Discharge on Tubular Fluorescent Lamps

Due to recent tendencies to optimize the use of the discharge lamps and the pollution problem caused by mercury, this paper outlines a simple approach that puts the reuse of tubular fluorescent lamps into perspective. The operation of the lamp is through dielectric barrier discharge which is powered using short pulses voltage. A Class-E converter, which is suitable for dielectric barrier discharge, is also described. Comments on experimental results from a converter working at 100 kHz switching frequency are made at the end.

1. Introduction

One of the main concerns in lighting systems is to increase the operating life of discharge lamps. However, one of the main factors that shorten the life expectancy is the electrode array itself. Since electrodes loose the ability to emit enough electrons, the discharge can't be completed successfully and thus reaches the end of their operating life; however, most of the inner components of the lamp are in good conditions to operate. Therefore, there is a considerable attention being paid, by a number of researchers, to replace electrodes with other devices or methods to increase the useful life of the lamp.