METHOD OF HOT RESTARTING ELECTRODELESS HID LAMPS

摘要

The present invention describes an apparatus and method for shutting off an electrodeless lamp such that it can be restarted instantaneously at any time. The method involves reducing the applied microwave power in a con- trolled way the moment the lamp is turned off. The reduc- tion of power is accomplished by modulating the microwave power with an ever decreasing duty factor or a decrease of analog power. This reduction in power results continually in reduced light output and lamp cooling while maintaining partial ionization of the lamp fill. Circuitry to accomplish this is also presented.