Patent ID: 7791278
Filing Date: 2010-09-07
Classification: H01J,Y02B

Abstract:
1. A plasma lamp comprising: a waveguide body having an electrically conductive coating on the outer surface of the waveguide and an internal conductor extending to an opening in an upper surface of the waveguide body; at least one probe coupled to the waveguide body; a power source coupled to the probe to provide power to the waveguide body; a bulb positioned adjacent to an upper side of the waveguide body, wherein the internal conductor extends from an opposed lower side of the waveguide body and terminates proximate an end of the bulb; the bulb containing a fill that forms a light emitting plasma when the power is coupled to the waveguide body and having at least one bulb wall; the waveguide body providing a path of conductive heat loss for the bulb during operation; and at least a portion of the bulb exposed to a surrounding environment, the exposed portion of the bulb providing heat loss through radiation and non-radiative heat loss to the surrounding environment; wherein the power source provides a power in the range of about 50 watts to 250; and wherein the thermal conductivity of the waveguide body, the size of the bulb and the portion of the bulb exposed to the surrounding environment are configured to maintain a bulb wall temperature below a level that would damage the bulb while limiting non-radiative heat loss from the bulb such that light radiates from the bulb at a level of at least 80 lumens per watt of power provided to the waveguide.