Twin anode beam mode fluorescent lamp

摘要

The lamp shown herein is a beam mode fluorescent lamp for general lighting applications. The lamp comprises a light transmitting envelope, having a phosphor coating on its inner surface, enclosing a thermionic cathode for emitting electrons, a pair of anodes for accelerating the electrons and forming electron beams, and a fill material, such as mercury, which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation. The two anode configuration provides an extended region of electron beam excitation. In addition, a separate cathode heater filament is not required due to the anode configuration. As a result this lamp is operated with a single power source and only two conductors connecting the power source to the electrodes. This invention further provides a high degree of self-stabilization of discharge current by means of the twin parallel anode configuration.