LTE and near-LTE lighting plasmas

High-pressure mercury lamps, metal halide arc lamps, high-pressure sodium lamps, xenon short-arc lamps, xenon flashlamps, and microwave-excited metal halide lamps are extremely important commercial applications of LTE and near-LTE plasma physics. The author outlines in very brief form the basic plasma science in such light sources. The factors controlling the power balance and the luminous efficacy of such sources are discussed. Current research in modeling these complex plasma devices is described. This has reached the stage that successful CAD models are available for new-product design in mercury and high-pressure sodium lamps, but not yet for metal halide lamps. The behavior of electrodes is discussed as an important practical determinant of lamp life. Directions of future research and development are briefly discussed.<
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