Patent ID: 8018130
Filing Date: 2011-09-13
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. A lamp system comprising a low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp, the lamp comprising: at least one discharge vessel enclosing, in a gastight manner, a discharge space including a filling of mercury and a rare gas, the discharge vessel having a first end section and a second end section, a first electrode arranged at the first end section and a second electrode arranged at the second end section for maintaining a discharge along a discharge path between the first electrode and the second electrode, an amalgam for regulating the mercury vapor pressure in the discharge vessel and having an optimal temperature range, arranged at the first end section outside the discharge path, a heating element arranged at the first end section for heating the amalgam independently of the first electrode to a temperature within its optimal temperature range, an electronic circuit arranged to generate an electrical discharge current for maintaining the discharge, and an electrical heating current for heating the heating element, independently of the electrical discharge current, a control circuit for generating at least one control signal to activate the electronic circuit to generate the electrical heating current, and current supply conductors configured to issue through the first end section to outside the discharge vessel, wherein the first electrode is coupled to the current supply conductors, and wherein the amalgam is supported by at least one current supply conductor.