Patent ID: 8089203

Claim:
A light source to be powered by microwave energy, the source having: a solid plasma crucible of material which is lucent for exit of light therefrom, the plasma crucible having a sealed void in the plasma crucible, a Faraday cage surrounding the plasma crucible, the cage being at least partially light transmitting for light exit from the plasma crucible, whilst being microwave enclosing, a fill in the void of material excitable by microwave energy to form a light emitting plasma therein, and • an antenna arranged within the plasma crucible for transmitting plasma-inducing microwave energy to the fill, the antenna having: a connection extending outside the plasma crucible for coupling to a source of microwave energy; the arrangement being such that light from a plasma in the void can pass through the plasma crucible and radiate from it via the cage; wherein the plasma crucible is a resonant waveguide.