Patent Publication Number: US-10327316-B2

Title: Systems and methods for extending a lifespan of an excimer lamp

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/810,414, entitled “Systems and methods for Extending a Lifespan of an Excimer Lamp,” filed Nov. 13, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to excimer lamps, and, more particularly, to systems and methods of extending lifespans of excimer lamps. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Excimer lamps generate ultra-violet light, and may be utilized aboard an aircraft such as for an instrument panel of a flight deck and/or cockpit, external lights, water filtering, and/or the like. During operation of an excimer lamp, filaments and/or columns of conducting plasma of gas can form between dielectrics and electrodes. The filaments can attach at a set location within the excimer lamp and form voltage discharges, which heat the metal mesh and may form holes and/or cracks in the metal mesh. In this manner, the voltage discharges reduce a lifespan of the excimer lamp. 
     SUMMARY 
     A need exists for a system and/or method for adjusting a position of filaments during operation of the excimer lamp. Further, a need exists for a longer lasting excimer lamp. 
     With these needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure adjust a position of the filaments relative to dielectrics by adjusting electrical power delivered to the excimer lamp to extend a lifespan of the excimer lamp. The excimer lamp generates ultra-violet (UV) light. For example, the excimer lamp may represent a dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) excimer lamp. The excimer lamp is electrically coupled to a power supply. The power supply provides electrical power to the excimer lamp to generate the UV light. The electrical power is provided by an electrical signal, which may represent alternating current at a set frequency and/or amplitude, a series of pulses having a set pulse width and/or amplitude, and/or the like. 
     The excimer lamp is operably coupled to a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is configured to acquire temperature measurements that indicate a temperature of the excimer lamp. During operation of the excimer lamp, the filaments can form one or more hot spots between dielectrics and electrodes of the excimer lamp. The hot spots represent temperature increases, which are detected by the temperature sensor. For example, the temperature of the one or more hot spots may represent a temperature greater than 100 degrees Celsius. At least one processor receives the temperature measurements from the temperature sensor, and can adjust the power supply based on the temperature of the excimer lamp. 
     For example, the at least one processor adjusts the electrical signal delivered to the excimer lamp based on the temperature signal. The at least one processor is configured to adjust a frequency, a pulse width, an amplitude, and/or the like of the electrical signal delivered by the power supply to the excimer lamp. The adjustment of the electrical signal reduces electrical power received by the excimer lamp. The reduced electrical power shifts a position of the filament along the dielectrics of the excimer lamp. 
     In at least one embodiment, a permanent magnet and/or electromagnet generates a magnetic field such that the excimer lamp is within the magnetic field. 
     In at least one embodiment, concentric quartz tubes and are sealed with the excimer gas enclosed in the annular area between the quartz tubes. A metallic coating may include aluminum, silver, copper, and/or the like is applied to the inner tube which is one electrode of the lamp. The other electrode is a grid or transparent mesh on the external surface of the outer tube. 
     Optionally, an additional metallic coating is chemically deposited on at least one of the pair of dielectrics. The additional metallic coating may include aluminum, silver, copper, and/or the like. The additional metallic coating is configured to absorb heat generated by the filaments to protect the excimer lamp. 
     In at least one embodiment, the at least one processor is configured to adjust a position of the metal mesh relative to the excimer lamp. For example, the metal mesh is operably coupled to an actuator (e.g., electric motor, hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, mechanical actuator) that adjusts a position of the metal mesh relative to the dielectrics during operation of the excimer lamp. The movement of the metal mesh adjusts a position of the filament relative to the dielectric. 
     Certain embodiment of the present disclosure provide a method for an excimer lamp. The method includes measuring a temperature of at least a portion of a ultra-violet (UV) light. The UV light having a pair of dielectrics configured to separate electrodes. One of the electrodes represents a metal mesh. The method includes adjusting a power supplied to the UV light based on the temperature. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein: 
         FIGS. 1A-B  illustrate schematic views of an excimer lamp system, in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrate a cross section of an excimer lamp, in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a cross section of an excimer lamp, in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a flow chart of a method to extend a life span of an excimer lamp, in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded by the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not necessarily excluding the plural of the elements or steps. Further, references to “one embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional elements not having that property. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an excimer lamp that produces ultra-violet (UV) light. The excimer lamp is monitored by at least one temperature sensor. The temperature sensor measures a temperature of the excimer lamp. For example, filaments create one or more hot spots, which may cause temperature spikes along a metal mesh of the excimer lamp. The hot spots are measured by the temperature sensor. The temperature spikes may reach a temperature over 100 degrees Celsius, which can affect the metal mesh and/or the excimer lamp. Based on the temperature, the electrical power delivered to the excimer lamps is reduced. For example, a frequency, a pulse width, an amplitude, and/or the like of the electrical power delivered to the excimer lamp is adjusted to reduce electrical power of the excimer lamp. The reduction of the electrical power shifts the filament with respect to the dielectrics within the excimer lamp. The shift of the filament adjusts a position of the hot spot, thereby extending the lifespan of the excimer lamp. 
     In at least one embodiment, a magnetic field can be overlaid on the excimer lamp concurrently with the reduction of the electrical power based on the temperature. The magnetic field additionally adjusts a position of the filament with the reduction of the electrical power. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrate schematic views of an excimer lamp system  100  in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In at least one embodiment the excimer lamp system  100  may have a planar geometry rather than the cylindrical geometry shown in  FIG. 1A . The excimer lamp system  100  include an excimer lamp  101 . The excimer lamp  101  is shown as a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) excimer lamp. Additionally or alternatively, the excimer lamp  101  can represent a ultra-violet (UV) light. The UV light generated by the excimer lamp  101  can be utilized as a disinfecting lighting system. For example, the UV light can be utilized to disinfect water, air, structures, and/or the like of an aircraft. 
     The excimer lamp  101  is electrically coupled to a power supply  116 . The power supply  116  is configured to provide electrical power to the excimer lamp  101  via an electrical signal. The electrical signal may represent, for example, an analog signal and/or digital signal. The electrical signal includes a set of electrical characteristics that define the electrical power provided to the excimer lamp  101 . For example, the electrical characteristics include a frequency, an amplitude, a pulse width, and/or the like. 
     The power supply  116  is configured to provide the electrical power to ionize a gas  112  interposed between electrodes and/or dielectrics  104 ,  108  above a gas ignition threshold. The gas  112  may include Xeon-Chlorine, Krypton-Boron, Krypton-Chlorine, and/or the like. For example, the excimer lamp  100  is a 100 Watt bulb, indicative of the gas ignition threshold. The power supply  116  provides the electrical signal having a current peak of 50 mA, a voltage peak of 5 kV, and a frequency range of 50-200 kHz, which provides the electrical power of 100 Watts. The electrical power delivered by the power supply  116  ionizes the gas  112  to produce ultra-violet (UV) light. It may be noted that different electrical characteristics of the electrical signal may be utilized to provide electrical power to the excimer lamp  101 . 
     The electrodes include a metal mesh  102  and a metallic rod  110  that are electrically conductive. For example, the metal mesh  102  and/or metallic rod  110  may include copper, gold, silver, and/or the like. The metal mesh  102  includes a dielectric  104  positioned within an internal circumference of the metal mesh  102 . The metallic rod  110  includes a dielectric  108  along an outer circumference of the metallic rod  110 . The dielectrics  104 ,  108  may include quartz, glass, ceramic, polymer, and/or the like. The dielectrics  104 ,  108  represent dielectric barriers for the electrodes (e.g., the metal mesh  102 , metallic rod  110 ). For example, the dielectrics  104 ,  108  may represent glass that are overlaid or lined with a conductive foil, screen, or the metal mesh  102 . Interposed between the dielectrics  104 ,  108  is the gas  112 . For example, the gas  112  may represent a Krypton-Chlorine mixture. 
       FIG. 2  illustrate a cross section of the excimer lamp  101 , in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure. During operation of the excimer lamp  101 , a filament  200  may form between the dielectrics  104 ,  108 . For example, the electrical signal provided by the power supply  116  builds a charge along a surface of the dielectrics  104 ,  108 . The charge built along the dielectrics  104 ,  108  are discharged as the filament  200 . The filament  200  can continually discharge at the same location. For example, the filament  200  increases the electric field within the gas  112  between the dielectrics  104 ,  108  at the location of the filament  200 . As described herein, a control circuit  114  detects the filament  200  and adjusts a position of the filament relative to the dielectrics  104 ,  108 . 
     The control circuit  114  ( FIG. 1 ) is configured to control the operation of the excimer lamp system  100 . The control circuit  114  may include at least one processor. Optionally, the control circuit  114  may include a central processing unit (CPU), one or more microprocessors, or any other electronic component capable of processing inputted data according to specific logical instructions. Optionally, the control circuit  114  may include and/or represent one or more hardware circuits or circuitry that include, are connected with, or that both include and are connected with one or more processors, controllers, and/or other hardware logic-based devices. Additionally or alternatively, the control circuit  114  may execute instructions stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer readable medium. 
     As used herein, the term “control circuit,” or the like may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor including hardware, software, or a combination thereof capable of executing the functions described herein. Such are exemplary only, and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of such terms. For example, the control circuit  114  may be or include one or more processors that are configured to control operation of the excimer lamp  101 , as described above. 
     The control circuit  114  is configured to execute a set of instructions that are stored in one or more data storage units or elements (such as one or more memories), in order to process data. For example, the control circuit  114  may include or be coupled to one or more memories. The data storage units may also store data or other information as desired or needed. The data storage units may be in the form of an information source or a physical memory element within a processing machine. 
     The set of instructions may include various commands that instruct the control circuit  114  to perform specific operations such as the methods and processes of the various embodiments of the subject matter described herein. The set of instructions may be in the form of a software program. The software may be in various forms such as system software or application software. Further, the software may be in the form of a collection of separate programs, a program subset within a larger program or a portion of a program. The software may also include modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processing of input data by the processing machine may be in response to user commands, or in response to results of previous processing, or in response to a request made by another processing machine. 
     The diagrams of embodiments herein may illustrate one or more control or processing units. It is to be understood that the processing or control units may represent circuits, circuitry, or portions thereof that may be implemented as hardware with associated instructions (e.g., software stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as a computer hard drive, ROM, RAM, or the like) that perform the operations described herein. The hardware may include state machine circuitry hardwired to perform the functions described herein. Optionally, the hardware may include electronic circuits that include and/or are connected to one or more logic-based devices, such as microprocessors, processors, controllers, or the like. Optionally, the one or more control or processing units may represent processing circuitry such as one or more of a field programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), microprocessor(s), and/or the like. The circuits in various embodiments may be configured to execute one or more algorithms to perform functions described herein. The one or more algorithms may include aspects of embodiments disclosed herein, whether or not expressly identified in a flowchart or a method. 
     As used herein, the terms “software” and “firmware” are interchangeable, and include any computer program stored in a data storage unit (for example, one or more memories) for execution by a computer, including RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory. The above data storage unit types are exemplary only, and are thus not limiting as to the types of memory usable for storage of a computer program. 
     The excimer lamp system  100  includes a temperature sensor  118 . The temperature sensor  118  may represent an infrared thermometer or thermocouple. For example, the temperature sensor  118  generates an infrared signal that is emitted onto the metal mesh  102 . The infrared signal may be configured to traverse along a length of the metal mesh  102 . Additionally or alternatively, the infrared signal may extend the length of the metal mesh  102 . The temperature sensor  118  generates a temperature signal indicative of the temperature of the metal mesh  102 , which is received by the control circuit  114 . For example, the temperature signal may represent an analog signal having a set frequency, amplitude, and/or the like that is indicative of a temperature of the metal mesh  102 . In another example, the temperature signal may represent a digital signal having a frequency, a bit sequence, and/or the like that is indicative of a temperature of the metal mesh  102 . 
     The temperature sensor  118  is operably coupled to the control circuit  114 . For example, the control circuit  114  receives the temperature signal generated by the temperature sensor  118 . The control circuit  114  monitors the temperature sensor  118  over time. For example, the control circuit  114  compares the temperature indicated by the temperature signal with a predetermined threshold. 
     For example, the predetermined threshold may represent a temperature value indicating the filament  200  ( FIG. 2 ). The filament  200  forms a hot spot  202  on the metal mesh  102 . The hot spot  202  represents a portion of the metal mesh  102  that has a temperature difference relative to the remaining metal mesh  102 . The control circuit  114  compares the temperature at the hot spot  202  with the predetermined threshold. For example, the predetermined threshold may represent a temperature above 100 degrees Celsius. Responsive to the control circuit  114  identifying a temperature received from the temperature sensors  118  above the predetermined threshold, the control circuit  114  adjusts electrical characteristics of the electrical signal delivered by the power supply  116 . 
     For example, the power supply  116  receives instructions from the control circuit  114  to reduce the electrical power delivered to the excimer lamp  101 . The power supply  116  may adjust electrical characteristics of the electrical signal generated by the power supply  116 . For example, based on the received instructions, the power supply  116  can reduce a frequency, a pulse width, amplitude, and/or the like of the electrical signal. The adjustment of the electrical signal delivered by the power supply  116  reduces the electrical power of the excimer lamp  101 . The reduction of electrical power changes a location of the filament relative to the dielectrics  104 ,  108 . 
     For example, the reduction of the electrical power reduces a charge built along the surface of the dielectrics  104 ,  108 . The filament  200  is discharged along the surface of the dielectrics  104 ,  108 . Responsive to the reduced charge built along the surface of the dielectrics  104 ,  108 , the electric field within the gas  112  is shifted. The shift in the electric field based on the reduced electrical power moves the filament  200  between the dielectric  108  and the metallic rod  110  to form the filament  204 . Additionally or alternatively, the shift in the electric field based on the reduced electrical power moves the filament  200  between the dielectric  104  and the metal mesh  102 . Responsive to the reduced electrical power, the filaments  200 ,  204 ,  206  change a location with respect to the dielectrics  104 ,  108 . The change in location prevents the filaments  200 ,  204 ,  206  from attaching at a set location within the excimer lamp  101 . The change in location of the filaments  200 ,  204 ,  206  ensures the integrity of the metal mesh  102 , and increases a lifespan of the excimer lamp  101 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, the control circuit  114  ( FIG. 1 ) is configured to position a magnetic fields, such that the excimer lamp  101  is within the magnetic field. For example, the control circuit  114  is operably coupled to a permanent magnet  120 . Responsive to the temperature sensor  118  above the predetermined threshold, the control circuit  114  positions the permanent magnet  120  towards the excimer lamp  101 . For example, the permanent magnet  120  may be operably coupled to an actuator  124 . The actuator  124  represents an electric motor, hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, mechanical actuator, and/or the like. The actuator  124  adjusts a position of the permanent magnet  120  along a direction of the arrow  122 , towards the excimer lamp  101 . The permanent magnet  120  generates the magnetic field. The adjustment of the permanent magnet  120  positions the magnetic field to be overlaid and/or within the excimer lamp  101 . The magnetic field is utilized to change a location of the filament  200 . For example, the magnetic field can be used concurrently with the reduced electrical power, which provides additional movement of the filament  200  relative to the dielectrics  104 ,  108  (e.g., forming the filaments  204 ,  206 ). 
     Optionally, the permanent magnet  120  is not operably coupled to the actuator  124 . For example, the permanent magnet  120  is positioned within a predetermined distance (such as 5-10 centimeters) from the excimer lamp  101 , such that the excimer lamp  101  is positioned within magnetic field. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrate schematic views of an excimer lamp system  150 , in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The excimer lamp system  150  includes a series of temperature sensors  154  along different positions of the metal mesh  102 . The temperature sensors  154  are thermally coupled to the metal mesh  102 . For example, heat energy (e.g., the hot spot  202 ) of the metal mesh  102  is received by the one or more temperature sensors  154 . The temperature sensors  154  are operably coupled to the control circuit  114 . The temperature sensors  154  may be or include one or more thermistors, thermocouples, an integrated circuit configured to measure a temperature, and/or the like. The temperature sensors  154  are configured to generate a temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the metal mesh  102 . 
     The control circuit  114  monitors the temperature sensors  154  over time. Based on a position of the temperature sensors  154  relative to the metal mesh  102 , the control circuit  114  determines a position of the filament. For example, the control circuit  114  compares the temperature received from the temperature sensors with the predetermined threshold. 
     In at least one embodiment, the control circuit  114  identifies the temperature signal output from at least one of the temperature sensor  154   a  is above the predetermined threshold. Based on the temperature being above the predetermined threshold, the control circuit  114  adjusts the electrical signal generated by the power supply  116 . The power supply  116  reduces the electrical power by adjusting the electrical characteristics (e.g., a frequency, a pulse width, an amplitude) of the electrical signal delivered to the excimer lamp  101 . The adjustment of the electrical signal delivered by the power supply  116  changes a location of the filament  200  with respect to the dielectrics  104 ,  108 . 
     As the filaments  200 ,  204 ,  206  change locations, the control circuit  114  can detect changes in the position of the filaments  200 ,  204 ,  206 . For example, the control circuit  114  determines the temperature detected by the temperature sensor  154   b  is above the predetermined threshold. The control circuit  114  then determines that the position of the filament  200  has moved along a direction of an arrow  156 . Optionally, the control circuit  114  may instruct the power supply  116  to further reduce the electrical power to the excimer lamp  101  responsive to no movement of the filament. For example, the control circuit  114  instructs the power supply  116  to reduce the electrical power delivered to the excimer lamp  101  based on the temperature of the temperature sensor  154  is above the predetermined threshold. Responsive to the reduction of the electrical power, the control circuit  114  monitors continually monitors the temperature sensors  154 . The control circuit  114  identifies the temperature sensor  154   a  includes a temperature above the predetermined threshold. Based on the temperature sensor  154   a  remaining above the predetermined threshold, the control circuit  114  determines that the filament has not changes position. The control circuit  114  instructs the power supply  116  to further reduce the electrical power to the excimer lamp  101 . For example, the power supply  116  reduced the frequency of the electrical signal from 200 kHz to 190 kHz. The control circuit  114  instructs the power supply  116  to further reduce the electrical power delivered to the excimer lamp  101  from 190 kHz to 180 kHz. The control circuit  114  monitors the temperature sensors  208  to identify a shift of position of the filament. For example, the control circuit  114  determines that the temperature sensor  154   b  measures a temperature above the predetermined threshold. Based on the change of the temperature sensor  154   b , the control circuit  114  determines that the filament  200  has shifted position within the excimer lamp  101 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, the control circuit  114  is configured to generate magnetic fields onto the excimer lamp  101 . For example, the control circuit  114  is operably coupled to a plurality of electromagnets and/or coils  152 . Responsive to the temperature sensor  154   a  above the predetermined threshold, the control circuit  114  activates one or more of the electromagnets  152 . For example, the control circuit  114  generates an electric current to the one or more electromagnets  152  concurrently with the reduction of the electrical power delivered by the power supply  116 . The electric current is utilized to generate a magnetic field onto the excimer lamp  101 . 
     Optionally, the control circuit  114  activates a portion of the electromagnets  152  based on the temperature sensor  154  detecting the filament. For example, the control circuit  114  identifies the temperature sensor  154   a  as a position of the filament, and activates the electromagnets  152   a - b . The magnetic fields generated by the electromagnets  152   a - b  adjusts a position of the filament concurrently with the reduction in the electrical power delivered by the power supply  116 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, the metal mesh  102  is operably coupled to an actuator  160 . The actuator  160  represents an electric motor, hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, mechanical actuator, and/or the like. The actuator  160  adjusts a position of the metal mesh  102  along directions of an arrow  158 . For example, responsive to a detection by the control circuit  114  of the filament  200 , the control circuit  114  instructs the actuator  160  to adjust a position of the metal mesh  102 . The position of the metal mesh  102  can be adjusted continuously along the arrow  158 . As the position of the metal mesh  102  is adjusted, a position of the filament  200  with respect to the dielectric  104 , and continually changes and does not attach to a single location. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the dielectric  108  may be coated with a metallic layer by chemical or vacuum deposition.  FIG. 3  illustrates a cross section of the excimer lamp  101 , in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cross section includes a metallic layer  304  configured to absorb or spread heat generated by the filament  200  and to eliminate any air gaps between 110 and 108 which could produce partial discharges that can produce hot spots. For example, the additional metallic layer  304  can include aluminum, copper, silver, and/or the like. The additional metallic layer  304  absorb the heat from the hot spot  202  generated by the filament  200 . The additional metallic layer  304  reduces a possibility of a hot spot  202  affecting the dielectric  108 . For example, separation and/or air pockets between the  110  electrode and dielectric  108  form regions that have high impedance. The high impedance areas reduce a power efficiency of the excimer lamp  101  and can form localized partial discharges that cause hot spot and degrade dielectric  108 . By vacuum or chemical deposition of the additional metallic layer  304  to the dielectric  108 , a reduction in a likelihood that a separation and/or air pockets can be formed. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a flow chart of a method  400  to extend a life span of the excimer lamp  101 , in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method  400 , for example, may employ or be performed by structures or aspects of various embodiments (e.g., systems and/or methods and/or process flows) discussed herein. In various embodiments, certain steps may be omitted or added, certain steps may be combined, certain steps may be performed concurrently, certain steps may be split into multiple steps, or certain steps may be performed in a different order. 
     Beginning at  402 , an additional metal layer is vacuum or chemically depositing on the dielectrics  104 ,  108 , of the UV light (e.g., excimer lamp  101 ). For example, the additional metal layer (e.g., the additional metallic layer  304  of  FIG. 3 ) is configured to absorb heat generated by the filament. The additional metal layer is vacuum or chemically deposited to reduce a formation of separation and/or air pockets between the dielectrics  104 ,  108  and the additional metal layer. Optionally, the method  300  may not include  402 . 
     At  404 , a temperature is measured for at least a portion of the UV light and/or the excimer lamp  101 . In connection with  FIG. 1A , the temperature sensor  118  measures a temperature of the metal mesh  102  of the excimer lamp  101 . The temperature sensor  118  generates a temperature signal indicative of the temperature of the metal mesh  102 , which is received by the control circuit  114 . 
     At  406 , a power supplied to the UV light is adjusted based on the temperature. In connection with  FIG. 1A , the temperature sensor  118  is operably coupled to the control circuit  114 . The control circuit  114  receives the temperature signal generated by the temperature sensor  154  indicative of a temperature of the excimer lamp  101 . The control circuit  114  compares the temperature indicated by the temperature signal with a predetermined threshold. For example, the predetermined threshold may represent a temperature value indicating the filament  200  and/or hot spot  202  is occurring between the dielectrics  104 ,  108  and the metal mesh  102 , metallic rod  110 . Responsive to the control circuit  114  identifying a temperature received from the temperature sensors  118  is above the predetermined threshold, the control circuit  114  instructs the power supply  116  to adjust the electrical power delivered to the excimer lamp  101 . The power supply  116  may adjust electrical characteristics of the electrical signal generated by the power supply  116 . For example, based on the received instructions, the power supply  116  can reduce a frequency, a pulse width, an amplitude, a pulse width, and/or the like of the electrical signal. The reduction of electrical power changes a location of the filament  200  relative to the dielectrics  104 ,  108 . 
     At  408 , a magnetic field is positioned over the UV light. In connection with  FIG. 1A , the control circuit  114  is operably coupled to the permanent magnet  120 . Responsive to the temperature sensor  118  above the predetermined threshold, the control circuit  114  positions the permanent magnet  120  towards the excimer lamp  101 . For example, the permanent magnet  120  may be operably coupled to the actuator  124 . The actuator  124  represents an electric motor, hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, mechanical actuator, and/or the like. The actuator  124  adjusts a position of the permanent magnet  120  along a direction of the arrow  122 , towards the excimer lamp  101 . The permanent magnet  120  generates a magnetic field. The control circuit  114  adjusts a position of the permanent magnet  120  such that the excimer lamp  101  is positioned within the magnetic field. The magnetic field is utilized to change a location of the filament  200 . For example, the magnetic field can be used concurrently with the reduced electrical power, which provides additional movement of the filament  200  relative to the dielectrics  104 ,  108 . Optionally, the permanent magnet  120  is not operably coupled to the actuator  124 . For example, the permanent magnet  120  may be positioned within a predetermined distance (such as 5-10 centimeters) from the excimer lamp  101 , such that the excimer lamp  101  is continually positioned within the magnetic field. Optionally, the method may not include  308 . 
     At  410 , a position of the metal mesh  102  of the UV light is adjusted. In connection with  FIG. 1B , the metal mesh  102  is operably coupled to an actuator  160 . The actuator  160  adjusts a position of the metal mesh  102  along directions of the arrow  158 . For example, responsive to a detection by the control circuit  114  of a filament, the control circuit  114  instructs the actuator  160  to adjust a position of the metal mesh  102 . Optionally, the method may not include  310 . 
     As described above, embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for adjusting electrical power and/or providing a magnetic field to adjust a position of a filament in a dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) excimer lamp. The adjustment in the position of the filament mitigates hot spots that may otherwise affect the DBD excimer lamp 
     It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the disclosure without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the disclosure, the embodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.