Table of Contents

Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................... i

Table of Figures ............................................................................................................................................. ii
1. Electric Discharge Lamps........................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 1
Common types of electric discharge lamps include: ................................................................................ 1
1.2 Sodium Vapor Lamp ........................................................................................................................ 2
1.2.1 Construction Details ................................................................................................................. 2
1.2.2 Principle of Operation .............................................................................................................. 3
1.2.3 Advantages & Disadvantages ................................................................................................... 3
1.2.4 Application Areas ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Mercury Vapor Lamps ..................................................................................................................... 5
1.3.1 Construction Details ................................................................................................................. 6
1.3.2 Principle of Operation .............................................................................................................. 7
1.3.3 Advantages & Disadvantages ................................................................................................... 7
1.3.4 Application Areas ..................................................................................................................... 8
1.4 Neon Lamps .................................................................................................................................... 8
1.4.1 Construction Details ................................................................................................................. 9
1.4.2 Principle of Operation ............................................................................................................ 10
1.4.3 Advantages & Disadvantages ................................................................................................. 10
1.4.4 Application Areas ................................................................................................................... 11
1.5 Fluorescent Lamps ........................................................................................................................ 12
1.5.1 Construction Details ............................................................................................................... 12
1.5.2 Principle of Operation ............................................................................................................ 13
1.5.3 Advantages & Disadvantages ................................................................................................. 15
1.5.4 Application Areas ................................................................................................................... 16
References .................................................................................................................................................. 17

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 Table of Figures

Figure 1 Electric Discharge Lamp .................................................................................................................. 1

Figure 2 High Pressure Sodium Light ............................................................................................................ 2
Figure 3 Low pressure sodium lamp construction ........................................................................................ 2
Figure 4 High pressure sodium lamp construction ....................................................................................... 2
Figure 5 Sodium Street Lamps ...................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 6 Mercury Vapor Lamps ..................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 7 Construction of Mercury Vapor Lamp ............................................................................................ 7
Figure 8 Mercury Street Light ....................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 9 Neon Lamps .................................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 10 Construction detail of neon lamp ................................................................................................. 9
Figure 11 Neon lamps for advertising signs for shops ................................................................................ 11
Figure 12 Neon Lights Billboard Stock ........................................................................................................ 11
Figure 13Fluorecent lamps ......................................................................................................................... 12
Figure 14 Construction of Fluorescent lamps ............................................................................................. 13
Figure 15 Circuit of fluorescent lamp (circuit of tube light)........................................................................ 14
Figure 16 Fluorescent lamps in office ......................................................................................................... 16

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 1. Electric Discharge Lamps
1.1 Introduction
Electric discharge lamps are a category of artificial lighting sources that produce illumination by
passing an electric current through a gas or vapor. This process ionizes the gas, causing it to emit
light. Unlike incandescent lamps, which rely on a heated filament, electric discharge lamps are
known for their higher energy efficiency, longer lifespan, and bright light output.

Figure 1 Electric Discharge Lamp

Common types of electric discharge lamps include:

 Sodium Vapor Lamps
 Mercury Vapor Lamps
 Neon Lamps
 Fluorescent Lamps

Compared to incandescent lamps, gas-discharge lamps offer higher efficiency,[5][6] but are more
complicated to manufacture and most exhibit negative resistance, causing the resistance in the
plasma to decrease as the current flow increases. Therefore, they usually require auxiliary
electronic equipment such as ballasts to control current flow through the gas, preventing current
runaway (arc flash).

Some gas-discharge lamps also have a perceivable start-up time to achieve their full light output.
Still, owing to their greater efficiency, gas-discharge lamps were preferred over incandescent
lights in many lighting applications, until recent improvements in LED lamp technology.

Each type operates based on the same fundamental principle but differs in gas composition,
construction, and application. The following sections provide a detailed explanation of each.

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1.2 Sodium Vapor Lamp

Figure 2 High Pressure Sodium Light

A sodium-vapor lamp is a gas-discharge lamp that uses sodium in an excited state to produce
light at a characteristic wavelength near 589 nm. Sodium vapor lamps come in two main types:
low-pressure sodium (LPS) lamps, known for their highly efficient, monochromatic yellow light,
and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps, which produce a broader spectrum of light, including a
whiter light with an orange tone.

1.2.1 Construction Details

Figure 4 High pressure sodium lamp

construction
Figure 3 Low pressure sodium lamp
construction
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A sodium vapor lamp consists of a discharge tube containing sodium and an inert gas (such as
neon or argon) to assist with starting the discharge. The discharge tube is enclosed in an outer
glass bulb to maintain temperature stability and protect the lamp components.

Inner Discharge Tube:

 Made of borosilicate glass.

 Contains metallic sodium, neon, and argon gas.
 May be linear or U-shaped.
 Electrically charged, causing the gases to ionize and heat up the sodium, which then
emits a yellow light.

Outer Vacuum Envelope:

 Made of glass.
 Provides thermal insulation, improving efficiency.
 In some designs, the inner surface is coated with an infrared reflective film (e.g., indium
tin oxide) to further reduce heat loss.

Electrodes:

 Located at either end of the discharge tube.

 Similar in construction to those of low-pressure mercury fluorescent lamps but of heavier
construction due to higher lamp currents.

1.2.2 Principle of Operation

 When voltage is applied, the inert gas ionizes first, allowing current to pass through and
heat the sodium.
 As the sodium vaporizes, it emits a yellow-orange light, which is characteristic of sodium
vapor lamps.
 Applying a voltage to the electrodes at both ends of the arc tube, which ionizes the neon
gas and creates an initial arc. The arc heats up the arc tube and vaporizes the sodium. The
sodium vapor emits a monochromatic yellow light with a wavelength of 589 nm.

1.2.3 Advantages & Disadvantages

Low-Pressure Sodium Lamps (LPS):

Advantages:

 High Efficiency: LPS lamps are highly energy-efficient, meaning they produce a lot of
light for the amount of electricity they consume.
 Long Lifespan: They have a relatively long lifespan compared to other types of lighting.

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  Good for Outdoor Applications: Their monochromatic yellow light is effective for street
lighting and other outdoor applications.
 Low Light Pollution: They are often used in areas sensitive to light pollution because of
their narrow spectrum of light.

Disadvantages:

 Poor Color Rendering: The monochromatic yellow light makes it difficult to distinguish
colors, which is a major drawback for indoor applications.
 Restricted Applications: Due to the poor color rendering, they are primarily used for
outdoor lighting, such as street lamps and security lighting.
 Longer Warm-up Time: They can take several minutes to reach full brightness.

High-Pressure Sodium Lamps (HPS):

Advantages:

 Broader Spectrum: HPS lamps produce a broader spectrum of light than LPS lamps,
resulting in better color rendering.
 Good for Outdoor Applications: They are suitable for outdoor applications where color
rendering is important, such as sports lighting and security lighting.
 Relatively Easy to Install: They are relatively easy to install and are easy to find online
and in stores.

Disadvantages:

 Poorer Color Rendering than Other Lamps: While better than LPS, HPS lamps still have
poorer color rendering compared to other types of lamps, such as LEDs.
 Not Ideal for Indoor Applications: Due to the poor color rendering, they are not ideal for
indoor applications where accurate color recognition is important.
 Restrike Time: They take a few minutes to restart after being turned off.

1.2.4 Application Areas

 Outdoor Lighting: Street and Highway Lighting:

 Parking Lots and Garages:
 Security Lighting:
 Industrial Lighting:
 Warehouses and Storage Facilities:
 Shipping Areas:
 Greenhouses:

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 Figure 5 Sodium Street Lamps

1.3 Mercury Vapor Lamps

A type of gas discharge lamp that produces light by passing an electric arc through vaporized
mercury, often used for large area lighting like streets and factories.

Figure 6 Mercury Vapor Lamps

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1.3.1 Construction Details
A mercury vapor lamp's construction consists of an inner quartz arc tube containing mercury
vapor, electrodes, and a small amount of argon or xenon gas, encased in a larger glass bulb for
protection and thermal regulation.

Arc Tube:

 Made of fused quartz, a material that can withstand high temperatures.

 Contains a small amount of mercury vapor, which is essential for producing light.
 Includes electrodes (often made of tungsten alloys) to initiate and maintain the electric
arc.
 May also contain a small amount of argon or xenon gas to help with starting the arc and
maintaining the discharge.

Outer Bulb:

 Made of borosilicate glass, providing thermal insulation and protection for the arc tube.
 May be clear or coated with a phosphor to modify the light output.
 Protects the arc tube from damage and atmospheric corrosion.
 Absorbs some of the ultraviolet radiation produced by the arc.

Other Components:

 Ballast (not shown in the diagram) is used to control the flow of electricity to the lamp
and ensure proper operation.
 A starter mechanism (not shown in the diagram) helps to initiate the arc when the lamp is
first turned on.

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 Figure 7 Construction of Mercury Vapor Lamp

1.3.2 Principle of Operation

 When an electric voltage is applied, the inert gas ionizes first, enabling current to flow
and vaporizing the mercury.
 The excited mercury atoms emit ultraviolet (UV) light, which is then converted into
visible light by a phosphor coating on the inner surface of the outer bulb (for coated
versions).

1.3.3 Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages:

 Good Efficiency: Mercury vapor lamps are more energy-efficient than incandescent
lamps, with luminous efficacies ranging from 35 to 55 lumens/watt.
 Long Lifespan: They have a long bulb lifetime, typically around 24,000 hours.
 Relatively Low Unit Cost: Mercury vapor lamps are relatively inexpensive to purchase.
 High-Intensity Light Output: They produce a high-intensity light output, making them
suitable for large area lighting applications.
 Better Color Rendering than High-Pressure Sodium: Mercury vapor lamps offer better
color rendering than high-pressure sodium streetlights.

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Disadvantages:

 Poor Color Rendering: The bluish-green tint of mercury vapor lamps can be unflattering
to human skin and distort colors.
 Warm-up Time: They require several minutes to reach full brightness after startup.
 Contains Mercury: Mercury vapor lamps contain mercury, which requires proper disposal
due to its toxicity.
 UV Radiation: They emit UV radiation, which can be harmful if the outer bulb breaks
while the inner arc tube continues operating.
 Less Efficient than Newer Options: Newer technologies like LEDs are now more
efficient.
 Not Ideal for Indoor Applications: The unflattering light makes them unsuitable for retail
stores or other indoor applications that require good color rendering.

1.3.4 Application Areas

 Street lighting
 UV curing in printing
 Molecular spectroscopy
 Projection systems like digital video projectors.

Figure 8 Mercury Street Light

1.4 Neon Lamps

A neon lamp (also neon glow lamp) is a miniature gas-discharge lamp. The lamp typically
consists of a small glass capsule that contains a mixture of neon and other gases at a low
pressure and two electrodes (an anode and a cathode).

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 Figure 9 Neon Lamps
1.4.1 Construction Details

Figure 10 Construction detail of neon lamp

Key Components:

Glass Envelope:

 A small, sealed glass capsule that houses the gas and electrodes.

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Electrodes:

 Two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, are mounted within the glass envelope.

Gas Mixture:

 The glass capsule is filled with a mixture of gases, typically neon and argon, at low
pressure.

Leads:

 Wire leads, often made of tin-plated Dumet metal, are used to make electrical
connections to the electrodes, allowing the lamp to be connected to a power source.

Hermetic Seal:

 The leads are sealed into the glass envelope using a technique called "pinching," where
the glass is heated and pinched around the leads to create a tight, airtight seal.

1.4.2 Principle of Operation

When sufficient voltage is applied and sufficient current is supplied between the electrodes, the
lamp produces an orange glow discharge. The glowing portion in the lamp is a thin region near
the cathode; the larger and much longer neon signs are also glow discharges, but they use the
positive column which is not present in the ordinary neon lamp.

1.4.3 Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages:

 Unique Aesthetic: Neon signs provide a warm, nostalgic glow and a distinct atmosphere,
often preferred for their softer, diffused illumination compared to the sharp brightness of
LEDs.
 Customizability: Neon signs can be easily customized to match specific designs, shapes,
and brand needs, making them popular for artistic and decorative purposes.
 Long Lifespan: Neon lamps have a relatively long lifespan compared to other types of
lighting.
 No chance of damage from power surges: Neon lamps are not damaged by power surges.
 Eco-Friendly: The gas inside neon lamps is not harmful to the environment.

Disadvantages:

 Fragility: Neon signs are fragile and can be easily damaged, especially if they are used
outdoors.
 High Maintenance: Neon signs require regular maintenance, including cleaning and tube
replacement.

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  High Voltage: Neon lamps require high voltage to operate, which can be a safety
concern.
 Limited Color Options: The color options for neon signs are limited compared to LEDs.
 Less Energy Efficient: Neon lights output very little light for the amount of power they
require, making them less energy-efficient than LEDs.
 Cost: Neon signs can be expensive to install and maintain

1.4.4 Application Areas

 Advertising signs and billboards

 Decorative lighting
 Indicator lights in electronics

Figure 11 Neon lamps for advertising signs for shops

Figure 12 Neon Lights Billboard Stock

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1.5 Fluorescent Lamps
A fluorescent lamp, or fluorescent tube, is a low-pressure mercury-vapor gas-discharge lamp that
uses fluorescence to produce visible light. An electric current in the gas excites mercury vapor, to
produce ultraviolet and make a phosphor coating in the lamp glow.

Figure 13Fluorecent lamps

1.5.1 Construction Details
Key Components:

 Glass Tube:

A cylindrical glass tube sometimes bent into various shapes.

 Gas Mixture:

A low-pressure mixture of gases, typically including:

 Noble Gases: Argon, neon, xenon, or krypton.

 Mercury Vapor: A small amount of mercury vapor.

 Phosphor Coating:

A fluorescent coating on the inner surface of the tube, usually containing phosphors that absorb
ultraviolet light and re-emit it as visible light.

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  Electrodes:

Coiled tungsten electrodes at each end of the tube, coated with a mixture of barium, strontium,
and calcium oxides to improve thermionic emission.

 Ballast:

Electronic or magnetic ballast is required to provide the starting voltage and limit the electrical
current during lamp operation.

 Bi-Pin Cap:

A bi-pin cap is sealed to the ends of the glass tube to allow for connection to the electrical
circuit.

Figure 14 Construction of Fluorescent lamps

1.5.2 Principle of Operation
When powered on, a voltage surge ionizes the gas mixture in the tube, causing mercury atoms to
emit ultraviolet light, which excites the phosphor coating to produce visible light.

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Figure 15 Circuit of fluorescent lamp (circuit of tube light)
 When we switch ON the supply, full voltage comes across the lamp and as well as across
the starter through the ballast. But at that instant, no discharge happens, i.e., no lumen
output from the lamp.
 At that full voltage first the glow discharge is established in the starter. This is because
the electrodes gap in the neon bulb of starter is much lesser than that of the fluorescent
lamp.
 Then gas inside the starter gets ionized due to this full voltage and heats the bimetallic
strip. That causes to bend the bimetallic strip to connect to the fixed contact. Now,
current starts flowing through the starter. Although the ionization potential of the neon is
more than that of the argon but still due to small electrode gap, a high voltage gradient
appears in the neon bulb and hence glow discharge gets started first in the starter.
 When current flows through the starter’s neon bulb, the drops across
the inductor (ballast). With reduced or no voltage, the gas discharge stops, cooling the
bimetallic strip and breaking the contact. This interruption creates a large voltage surge
across the inductor.

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  This high valued surge voltage comes across the fluorescent lamp (tube light) electrodes
and strikes penning mixture (mixture argon gas and mercury vapor).
 Gas discharge process gets started and continues and hence current again gets a path to
flow through the fluorescent lamp tube (tube light) itself. During discharging of penning
gas mixture the resistance offered by the gas is lower than the resistance of starter.
 The discharge of mercury atoms produces ultraviolet radiation which in turn excites the
phosphor powder coating to radiate visible light.
 Starter gets inactive during glowing of fluorescent lamp (tube light) because no current
passes through the starter in that condition.

1.5.3 Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages:

 Energy Efficiency:

Fluorescent lamps consume significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs, producing the
same amount of light with less wattage.

 Longer Lifespan:

Fluorescent lamps have a much longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs, meaning they need to be
replaced less frequently.

 Lower Running Costs:

Due to their energy efficiency, fluorescent lamps lead to lower electricity bills over their
lifespan.

 Better Light Distribution:

Fluorescent lamps can provide a more uniform and diffused light compared to incandescent
bulbs.

 Less Heat Emission:

Fluorescent lamps generate less heat than incandescent bulbs, which can be beneficial in certain
applications.

Disadvantages:

 Mercury Content:

Fluorescent lamps contain a small amount of mercury, which can be hazardous if not handled or
recycled properly.

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  Initial Cost:

Fluorescent fixtures and bulbs can be more expensive than traditional incandescent bulbs.

 Flickering and Humming:

Some fluorescent lamps may flicker or hum, especially when turned on or off.

 Dimming Issues:

Dimming fluorescent lights can be problematic and may require special ballasts or controllers.

 Warm-up Time:

Fluorescent lamps may take a short time to reach full brightness after being turned on.

1.5.4 Application Areas

Figure 16 Fluorescent lamps in office

 Office and residential lighting

 Schools and hospitals
 Commercial and industrial buildings

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 References
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April 3, 2025, from https://edisontechcenter.org/SodiumLamps.html
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2025, from https://home.howstuffworks.com/fluorescent-lamp4.htm
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https://www.thoughtco.com/how-neon-lights-work-606167
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disadvantages-and-applications
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pressure_sodium_lamp
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Retrieved April 3, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury-vapor_lamp
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April 3, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neon_lamp
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