Patent ID: 6127780
Filing Date: 2000-10-03
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A planar photoluminescent lamp having first and second modes of operation, the lamp comprising:a lamp body having a plurality of sidewalls and endwalls and a base;a lamp cover mounted to the lamp body such that the lamp body and the cover define a chamber having a channel length extending from a first end to a second end, the lamp having an outer surface;first and second electrodes in proximity with the first and second ends, respectively, to produce an electrical discharge therebetween when supplied with electrical power in the first mode of operation, the electrical discharge occurring along the channel length between the first and second electrodes;first and second electrical conductors mounted on the same outer surface of the lamp along at least a portion of the channel to generate an electric field therebetween when supplied with electrical power in the second mode of operation, the electric field having an orientation between the first and second electrical conductors in a direction substantially perpendicular to the channel length;a gas within the chamber to emit ultraviolet energy in response to the electrical discharge, the gas emitting a first quantity of ultraviolet energy in response to the electrical discharge along the channel length in the first mode of operation and emitting a second quantity of ultraviolet energy less than the first quantity of ultraviolet energy in response to the electric field generated by the first and second electrical conductors; anda photoluminescent material within the chamber to produce visible light in response to the ultraviolet energy.