Patent ID: 6141131
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: H04B,H05B

Abstract:
A method of transmitting light, comprising the steps of:(A) generating with a first apparatus including (A) a first lamp containing one or more materials (i) which are at least partially solid or liquid under conditions of first lamp use or storage and (ii) which do not generate light below a threshold electric power but which, in response to an applied electric power greater than said threshold electric power, generate light of an intensity related to the difference between said applied electric power and said threshold electric power, and (B) an external power source for applying power to said first lamp sufficient to maintain said material which is at least partially solid or liquid under conditions of first lamp use or storage in the vapor state when said applied electric power is below said threshold electric power, light having a first wavelength (.lambda..sub.1), a first intensity (I.sub.1) or both a first wavelength (.lambda..sub.1) and a first intensity (I.sub.1), and(B) generating light having a second wavelength (.lambda..sub.2), a second intensity (I.sub.2) or both a second wavelength (.lambda..sub.2) and a second intensity (I.sub.2) within a period of time of from 1 nanosecond (1 ns) to 1 second (1 s) of said generating step (A), with a second apparatus including (A) a second lamp containing one or more materials (i) which are at least partially solid or liquid under conditions of second lamp use or storage and (ii) which do not generate light below a threshold electric power but which, in response to an applied electric power greater than said threshold electric power, generate light of an intensity related to the difference between said applied electric power and said threshold electric power, and (B) an external power source for applying power to said second lamp sufficient to maintain said material which is at least partially solid or liquid under conditions of second lamp use or storage in the vapor state when said applied electric power is below said threshold electric power,wherein at least one of the following relationships is true:.lambda..sub.2 .noteq..lambda..sub.1.lambda..sub.2 .noteq.I.sub.1.