DRIVING METHOD OF DISCHARGE LAMP

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a driving method of a discharge lamp equipped with at least one dielectric interference electrode and assure a steady ignition of discharge of the dielectric interference in the lamp. SOLUTION: A periodically repeating voltage pulse is impressed on at least one electrode and the voltage value of this pulse is made lower than the rated driving voltage of the discharge lamp; that is, initially the voltage pulse is made smaller to a level not to generate a discharge ignition by the voltage pulse, and after this process goes on further, the voltage value of the periodically repeating voltage pulse is made higher gradually until a discharge of dielectric interference is formed in the discharge lamp.