MXPA00005328A - High frequency inductive lamp and power oscillator - Google Patents

Abstract

A high frequency inductively coupled electrodeless lamp includes an excitation coil with an effective electrical length which is less than one half wavelength of a driving frequency applied thereto, preferably much less. The driving frequency may be greater than 100 MHz and is preferably as high as 915 MHz. Preferably, the excitation coil is configured as a non-helical, semi-cylindrical conductive surface having less than one turn, in the general shape of a wedding ring. At high frequencies, the current in the coil forms two loops which are spaced apart and parallel to each other. Configured appropriately, the coil approximates a Helmholtz configuration. The lamp preferably utilizes a bulb encased in a reflective ceramic cup with a pre-formed aperture defined therethrough. The ceramic cup may include structural features to aid in alignment and/or a flanged face to aid in thermal management. The lamp head is preferably an integrated lamp head comprising a metal matrix composite surrounding an insulating ceramic with the excitation integrally formed on the ceramic. A novel solid-state oscillator preferably provides RF power to the lamp. The oscillator is a single active element device capable of providing over 70 watts of power at over 70%efficiency. Various control circuits may be employed to match the driving frequency of the oscillator to a plurality of tuning states of the lamp.

Description

OSCILLATOR OF POWER AND HIGH FREQUENCY INDUCTIVE LAMPS DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Certain inventions described herein are made with the support of the Government under Contracts Nos. DE-FG01-95EE23796 and / or DE-FC01-97EE23776 issued by the Department of Energy. The Government has certain rights over these inventions. This request is related to the co-pending requests to us. 09 / 006,171, 60 / 071,192, 60 / 071,284, and 60 / 071,285, all filed on January 13, 1998, 60 / 083,093, filed on April 28, 1998, 60 / 091,920 filed on July 7, 1998, 60 / 099,288 filed on September 4, 1998, 60 / 102,968 filed on October 2, 1998 and 60 / 109,591 filed on November 23, 1998, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The invention relates generally to discharge lamps. The invention relates more specifically to discharge lamps. The invention relates more specifically to lamps without inductively coupled electrodes. The invention also relates to novel configurations of lamps, coupling circuits, bulbs, aperture structures, ignition aids, and excitation coils for lamps without electrodes selectively coupled. The present invention also relates to an improved electrodeless aperture lamp, and to an improved method for manufacturing an aperture lamp without electrodes. The invention also relates generally to a novel high-power and high-power solid-state oscillator. In general, the present invention relates to the type of lamp described in U.S. Patent No. 5,404,076, as well as to U.S. Patent Application No. 08 / 865,516 (PCT Publication No. 97/45858), each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Lamps without electrodes are known in the art. Such lamps can be characterized according to the type of discharge they produce. Discharges without electrodes can be classified as either E discharges, microwave discharges, travel wave discharges, or H discharges. The invention relates to these discharges preponderantly characterized as discharges H. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a light without conventional electrodes that produce a discharge E. A power source 1 supplies power to a capacitor 2. A container 3 filled with gas is placed between the layers of capacitor 2. The E discharges in the lamps without electrodes are similar to the arc discharges in a lamp with electrodes, except that the current is usually much smaller in a discharge E. Once the inductive discharge of the gas into its plasma ionized state d is achieved, the current flows through the capacitance of the walls of the containers between the capacitor layers 2, 5 thereby producing a discharge current in the plasma. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a conventional electrodeless lamp that produces a microwave discharge. A microwave power source 11 provides microwave energy which is directed by a waveguide 12 to a microwave cavity 14 housing a bulb 13 filled with gas. The microwave energy excites the filling in the bulb 13 and produces a plasma discharge. In a microwave discharge, the wavelength of the electromagnetic field is comparable to the dimensions of the excitation structure, and the discharge is excited by both of the E and H components of the field. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a conventional electrodeless lamp that produces a wave discharge per trip. A power source 21 provides power to a puncher 22. A container 23 filled with gas is placed in the puncher 22. The space between the electrodes of the puncher 22 provides an E-field that releases a surface wave discharge. The plasma in vessel 23 is the structure along which the wave is then prepared. 25 Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a lamp without conventional electrodes that produces a discharge H. Lamps without electrodes that produce a discharge H are also designated as inductively coupled lamps. Inductively coupled lamps were first described more than 100 years ago. JJ Thomson's experiments are described in the article "On the discharge of Electpcity through Exhausted Tubes without Electrodes", printed in London, Edinburgh and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science, Fifth Series, Vol. 32, No. 197, October 1891 More recently, DO Harmby, PhD investigated the state of the art of electrodeless lamps in the article entitled "Electrodeless lamps for lightmg: a review", IEEE PROCEEDINGS-A, Vol. 140, No. 6, November 1993, pages 465 to 473. Certain aspects of the inductively coupled lamps are understood and have been characterized analytically, for example, in the articles by RB Piejack, VA Godyak and BM Alexandrovich entitled "A simple analysis of an inductive RF discharge", Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 1, 1992, pages 179-186, and "Electrical and Light Characteristics of RF-Inductive Fluorescent Lamps," Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society, Winter 1994, pages 40-44. Inductively coupled lamps have several coil and bulb configurations described in US Patent No. 843,534, entitled "Method of Producing Electric Light". More recently, inductively coupled lamps having novel excitation coils are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,812,702, 4,894,591, and 5,039,903 (hereinafter, "the patent" 903"). As shown in Figure 4, an example of an inductively conventional coupled lamp includes a low frequency power source 31 that provides power to a coil 32 that is wound around a container 33 filled with gas. The alternating current around the coil 32 produces a changing magnetic field, which induces an electric field that drives a current in the plasma. In fact, the plasma can be analyzed as a secondary individual return with respect to the coil 32. See Piejack et al., Referred to in the foregoing. A discharge H is characterized by a closed electric field, which in many examples forms a plasma discharge in the form of a visible donut. Other geometries have been described for inductively coupled lamps. For example, Figure 1 of the Wharmby article exposes examples (a) - (e), includes a high inductance coil wound on a ferrite toroidal, internal (or optionally external) with respect to the bulb. See Wharmby on p. 471 .ti-n-fc.Steaate. Mizi &83ll $ j $ h / M®k As used herein, "low frequency" with respect to an inductively coupled lamp is described as a frequency less than or equal to approximately 100 MHz. For example, a frequency typical operation for inductively conventional coupled lamps is 13.56 MHz. For example, in the patent? 903 there is a discussion on an operating frequency range of 1 to 30 MHz, with an operating frequency as an example being 13.56 MHz. , if not all, of the advances relative to the inductively known coupled lamps provide lamps that operate at a low frequency (ie, less than or equal to 100 MHz). Referring again to Figure 4, during the start operation of an inductively coupled lamp, an E field ionizes the fill in the container 33 filled with gas and the discharge is the initial characteristic of a discharge E. Once the discharge occurs reductive, however, a transition to the abrupt and visible H discharge occurs. During the operation of an inductively coupled lamp, both discharge E and H components are present, but the applied discharge component H provides greater power (usually much greater) to the plasma than the applied discharge component E. As used herein, "high frequency" with respect to a lamp without electrodes is defined as a frequency substantially greater than 100 MHz. The prior art describes lamps without electrodes operating at high frequency, including lamps that exhibit coil structures. However, none of the lamps without "high frequency" electrodes 5 in the prior art is, in fact, an inductively coupled lamp. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,206,387 discloses an "add-on-finish" electrodeless lamp that includes a helical coil around of light bulb. It is described that the "termination add-on" lamp operates in the range of 100 MHz to 300 GHz, and preferably to 915 MHz. As noted by Wharmby, the "add-on-term" lamps have a size-length relationship such that they produce a microwave discharge, not an inductively coupled discharge. U.S. Patent No. 4,908,492 (hereinafter "the 92 patent") discloses a microwave plasma production apparatus that includes a helical coil component. It is described that the device operates at 1 GHz or more, and preferably at 2.45 GHz. As described, however, the coil requires not being terminated and a large diameter multi-turn coil is preferred to produce a large plasma. In such a configuration, the dimension of the excitation structure is comparable to the wavelength of microwave frequency power and the discharge appears to be a trip discharge, a microwave discharge, or some combination thereof. In any case, the resulting structure apparently does not work by inductive coupling. 5 US Patent No. 5,070,277 discloses a lamp without electrodes including helical couplers. It is described that the lamp operates in the range of 10 MHz to 300 GHz, with a preferred operating frequency of 915 MHz. The helical couplers transfer energy through an evanescent wave that produces an arc discharge in the lamp. The arc discharge1 is described as being very straight and narrow comparable to an incandescent filament. Therefore, this lamp apparently does not work by inductive coupling. US Patent No. 5,072,157 discloses an electrodeless lamp that includes a helical coil that extends along a discharge tube. The operating range for the lamp is described as 1 MHz to 1 GHz. The discharge produced by the lamp is a discharge wave travel. In the discussion, the effect of the helical coil as an enhancer of the light output and providing a certain RF screen is described. Japanese publication No. 8-148127 discloses a microwave discharge light source device that includes a resonator inside the microwave cavity that i¿Í¿B ^^ has the shape of a cylindrical ring with a space. ' It is described that the resonator is a start aid and a microwave field concentrator. A number of parameters characterize the highly useful sources of light. These include spectra, efficiency, brilliance, economy, durability (work life), and others. For example, a highly efficient low-voltage light source with a long working life, particularly a light source with high brightness, represents a very desirable combination of operational characteristics. Lamps without electrodes have the potential to provide a much longer working life than lamps with electrodes. However, lamps without low-voltage electrodes only limit to commercial applications. The invention provides an inductively coupled high frequency electrodeless lamp. In particular, the present invention provides an efficient high frequency inductively coupled electrodeless lamp. An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a lamp with no ultra bright low voltage electrodes having many commercially practical applications. Specifically, an object of one aspect of the present invention is to describe an aperture lamp without electrodes that is driven by a state RF source solid on the scale of several tenths to several hundredi watts. The lamp of the present invention represents the first of a new revolutionary family of luminous products. With its spectacular brilliance, spectral stability and long life, the present invention provides an excellent light source for various applications such as projection screens, automotive and lighting lamps in general. Figure 6 is a schematic conceptual diagram of a lamp without high brightness electrodes according to the invention. As shown in Figure 6, a lamp bulb 4 without electrodes is covered with a reflective cover 5 defining a cover 6. An inductive coupling circuit 7 is driven by a solid state RF source 8 to power the lamp. The lamp of the present invention improves the previous work carried out with respect to the technology of sulfur lamps that work with microwaves. The power consumption has been reduced from thousands of watts to tens or hundreds of watts. The magnetron RF generator has been replaced with electronic parts in solid state. A simple inductive coupling structure replaces the quality structure used to transfer the RF power to the bulb without electrodes. The size of the bulb can be reduced to less than 7mm in diameter. The brightness of the lamp can be enhanced by optical elements built directly on the lamp providing an almost ideal two-dimensional light source. Preferably, the lamp according to the invention is extremely compact in size. Advantageously, the lamp can conveniently be packaged in a variety of configurations. For example, the bulb, the RF source and the DC power supply can be packaged together or each of these modules can be packaged and placed separately. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a lamp according to the invention, wherein the bulb, the RF source and the DC power supply are located in a single housing 16. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a lamp according to the present invention, wherein the bulb is located in a first housing 17 and the RF source and the DC power supply are located in a second housing 18. The bulb it receives RF energy through suitable transmission means (for example, a coaxial cable). The lamp of the present invention offers other advantages at a single system level. For example, in certain applications, all photons emitted from a source may not be useful. With a conventional light source, rays of an unwanted wavelength or polarization ^ jj ^ ajaa ^^? * Í »i ^ ^ i¡feÍM ^ ñ can be treated simply as waste light. However, as its sample in Figure 9, an optical system using the lamp of the present invention may include an optical element 24 which directs the return light 25 to be "recaptured" by the aperture bulb 26 . Some of these photons that have been returned interact with the plasma and are converted to useful light, before being re-emitted, increasing the overall efficiency of the lamp. Such recapturing of light is described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,773,918 and PCT publication WO 97/45858 (assigned in common with the assignee of the present invention), both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. . Long life is a fundamental characteristic of lamps without electrodes. The elimination of all the metallic components in the bulb such as the filaments and the electrodes, as well as the elimination of the glass that accompanies the metal seals, removes the dominant determinants of the lifetimes of the conventional lamps. The selection of specific bulb fillings is minimized and in some cases eliminates the chemical interactions between the plasma and the bulb cover. Such interactions can significantly affect the life and color stability of the 5 conventional high intensity discharge lamps.

In addition, the lamp of the present invention is made to be more reliable in terms of the use of all solid electronic parts. The color stability in conventional discharge lamps is a function of the chemical interaction between the filling of the bulb and the electrodes, the interaction between the filling of the bulb and the cover of the bulb, and the interaction between the various components of the bulb. filling the bulb with each other. Advantageously, the lamp of the present invention can be configured when a bulb filling of single element minimally reactive and without electrodes ensuring an output spectrum that is stable over the life of the lamp. Applications Applications for a light source without high brightness electrodes of long duration such as the lamp of the present invention are both numerous and obvious to those skilled in the use of light sources. In general, the lamp of the present invention can be configured as an effective light source in virtually any application that requires or benefits from artificial light. It is advisable to review some of the applications that take advantage of the unique properties of such a light source. One of the most important applications of the lamp of the present invention is the projection screens. A variety of imaging technologies are currently used to modulate the light beams to create still or moving images. Technologies such as Texas Instruments' DMD devices, as well as reflecting and transmitting liquid crystal displays, require a focused collimated beam of light. The unique characteristics of the lamp of the present invention, durability, high brightness, optical efficiency, color stability and excellent RGB ratios make the lamp of the present invention an excellent source for this application. The same characteristics are also desirable for applications that are based on the use of optical fibers. Before the light can be transmitted in an optical fiber it must enter the end of the fiber in the range of a critical angle of the fiber axis. Light that does not enter the end of the fiber at this critical angle is lost. To a large extent the overall efficiency of a fiber optic lighting system is determined by the coupling efficiency of light at the end of the fiber cluster. The two-dimensional lamp of the source of the present invention significantly improves this coupling efficiency. In fact, the two-dimensional source provided by the lamp of the present invention allows direct coupling to fibers optical cluster or wide-core. Fiber optic lighting can be advantageously used in a variety of applications including medical devices, automotive lighting and general lighting. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the lamp of the present invention used together with a tapered light tube (TLP). Figure 11 is a perspective view of the lamp of the present invention used in conjunction with a composite parabolic concentrator (CPC). Figure 12 is a perspective view of the lamp of the present invention used together with a ball lens. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the lamp of the present invention directly coupled to a wide-core optical fiber. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the diagram of the present invention used in an automotive lighting system with fiber optic distribution. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the lamp of the present invention used in a projection screen. The present invention can be used both with optical imaging fiber and non-image forming optical fiber to produce fluid or stain type illumination as well as general illumination products. The present invention can pair with various optical films such as the 3M optical illumination (OLF) film to produce such schemes ^^^^^^^^^^ ttH ^^ tt ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ußÉtt ^^ M | ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^ fi ^ ^^^^^ of lighting such as light tube systems and light boxes that replace conventional fluorescent fixtures. Most examples of the lamp of the present invention described in the following are in scale to give power to a small screen, a medical instrument, a lamp for a vehicle or another application that requires a bright source with a output from one to three thousand lumens. However, the lamp of the The present invention can be used to scale to give power and / or to be dimensioned to provide a bright source capable of emitting tens or thousands of lumens. The additional uses contemplated of the present lamp range from applications as diverse as projectors for theater, large television screens, lamps and lights for domestic theater and balconies. Using the lamp to cure adhesives Many adhesives can be cured by intense visible light. Due to the small size of the stain and In high lumen intensity, the lamp of the present invention is an excellent source for curing adhesives. In some processes, selective healing is preferred over the curing of the "fluid" type of light. It can also be more cost effective from the point of view of, the energy to expose only the adhesive to light. The Light cover is also exemplified if only, it is required to illuminate a selected work area. As noted later in section 4.2.2, the aperture can be configured to coincide with a desired area and / or illumination form. A partial listing of some applications of the lamp of the present invention includes the following: Table 1 A header table is provided below. 1. BACKGROUND 2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION 3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 4. DESCRIPTION 4.1 Inductive High Frequency Lamp 4.1.1 First Coupling Circuit 4.1.2 Excitation Coil in the Form of a Novelized Winding I Ring 4.1.3 Second Circuit Coupling 4.1.4 Conducting Surface Field Concentrator 4. 1.5 Ceramic Heat Sink for Cooling the Excitation Coil 4.1.6 Lamp with Enhanced Thermal Characteristics 4.1.7 Exciting Coil with Omega Shape 4. 1.8 Head Lamp '4.1.8.1 Omega Coil 4.1.8.2 Preformed Coil Connection for Lamp Head 4.1.8.3 Tunable High Voltage Capacitor 4.1.9 Exemplary Fill 4.2 Opening and Bulb Structures 4.2.1 Blow Molded Bulbs 4.2. 2 Opening Structures 4.2.3 Exemplary Process to Fill the Opening Cup 10 4.2.3.1 Hand Gupping 4.2.3.2 Solid Emptying 4.2.3.3 Use of Centrifuging for Packing Cup 4.2.4 Exemplary Performance Data 15 4.2.5 Spectral Distribution 4.2 .6 Ball Lens 4.2.7 Ceramic Quartz Lamp 4.2.8 Design Feature for Alignment of the Opening Cup 20 4.2.9 Opening Cup with Tabs 4.2.10 Startup Help 4.3 High Power Oscillator 4.4 Lamp and Oscillator 4.4 .1 Raise Oscillator Board 25 4.4.2 Separate Lamps Head Housing 4. 4.3 Lamp Head Welding Processes to I Example Way 4.4.4 Improved Welding Inserts 4.4.5 Separate RF Source 5 4.4.6 Oscillator Control Circuits 5. CLAIMS 6. BRIEF SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention shall be understood better with reference to the accompanying Figures, wherein: Figures 1-4 are schematic diagrams of lamp systems without conventional electrodes that produce various types of discharge. Figure 5 is a graph of Q versus frequency. Figures 6-9 are conceptual representations of the lamps according to the invention. Figures 10-15 are illustrations of various applications for a lamp according to the invention. Figures 16-32 refer to a novel coupling circuit according to the invention and to various lamp configurations employing the same. Figures 33-37 refer to an excitation coil in the form of a washer. Figures 38-57 are various schematic views, 25 section views and perspective views, respectively, of a novel excitation coil and of some alternative structures by way of example thereof according to the invention. Figures 58-62 are schematic diagrams showing different circuit exposures that are suitable for using the novel excitation coil according to the invention in a lamp without electrodes. Figures 62-78 are various perspective views, schematic and cross section, , respectively, of lamps without electrodes as an example using the novel excitation coil according to the invention. Figures 69-82 refer to the alternative structure for the novel excitation coil according to the invention which resembles an upper omega (O) Greek letter. Figures 83-106 refer to an integrated lamp head according to the invention and to several lamps without electrodes that use it. Figures 107-120 refer to a high voltage capacitor exposure according to the invention. Figures 121-132 refer to a blow molded bulb according to the invention. Figures 133-154 refer to certain opening structures according to the invention.

Figures 154-159 relate to various aspects of performance of an example of a lamp without electrodes according to the invention. Figures 160-171 relate to an alternative light bulb / aperture structure and to a method for manufacturing the same. Figures 172-175 refer to an opening cup according to the invention as a feature for radial and axial alignment. Figures 176-180 refer to an opening cup with a flanged face for thermal control. Figures 181-186 refer to a ceramic cover for a bulb with embedded cables to improve the lighting of the lamp. Figures 187-209 refer to a preferred high-power solid state oscillator according to the invention for providing high frequency energy to the lamp. Figures 210-222 refer to a lamp and oscillator integrated in an individual assembly. Figures 223-255 refer to a separate lamp assembly. Figures 256-265 refer to a separate RF source assembly. 4. DESCRIPTION 4. 1 Inductive High Frequency Lamp The embodiments of the present invention for providing a low power, highly efficient light source with a long life, particularly a light source with high brightness, which represents a very desirable combination of operating characteristics. Low power, as used herein with respect to a light source, is defined as being less than about 400 watts (W). Brilliance, as used herein, is defines as the amount of light per solid angle of unit per unit area of light source. The present invention provides lamps without electrodes that have the potential to provide a longer working life than lamps with electrodes. Lamps without low electrodes conventional power so far are only limited to commercial applications. The present invention improves a lamp with no efficient low power electrodes with intense brightness, capable of serving in many applications commercially practices. Although high frequency power sources and inductively coupled lamps are already known, the prior art does not seem to teach the combination of a high frequency power source with a lamp configured for inductive coupling. The present invention resolves both practical and technological barriers that have so far avoided such useful combinations. In a lamp system coupled with a capacitor (for example a discharge lamp E) the impedance of the coupling circuit is inversely proportional to the frequency. Therefore, at high frequency the impedance decreases and the lamp can operate with higher current and therefore be more efficient. So that, reduced impedance and superior efficiency offer a motivation for those skilled in the art to develop lamps coupled by higher frequency capacity. In a system for inductively coupled (ie, 1 discharge lamp H), the circuit impedance can be expected to vary in direct proportion to the frequency. Therefore, at sufficiently high frequencies, the impedance will increase it so that an inductively coupled lamp will not work at any reasonable efficiency, if at all. By way of illustration, the quality factor Q of a coil is an indication of the operating efficiency of the coil, that is, the efficiency in transferring energy to a device (for example, a secondary coil coupled to it). Q can be represented by the equation: where Equation (1) where L is the inductance of the coil, R is the resistance of the coil, and? is the angular frequency or radian (? = 2p x f, where f is the operating frequency). Figure 5 shows a typical graph of Q versus frequency 5 of a given coil. As can be seen in the graph, Q increases proportionally with respect to the square root1 of the frequency up to a point, beyond which Q declines. One reason why Q declines or "rolls up" from its peak value is that, at higher frequencies, adverse factors or "parasites" are present, which affects the performance of the coil by increasing the losses of the coil (ie, the impedance of the coil). At these higher frequencies, the losses of the coil increase proportionally more when the frequency increases, thereby causing Q to roll up. For example, the "proximity effect" is a known phenomenon that describes the way in which, as the coil turns get closer together, Q coils faster due to the capacitance between the coils. laps Other factors, such as surface depth and tape current effects, can also contribute to increasing the effective resistance of the coil at higher frequencies. By increasing the effective resistance (ie, R in equation 1) of the circuit can cause the winding to accelerate. Therefore, a Higher frequencies, the proximity effect (capacitance between bags) and other parasitic effects that degrade the performance of the coil become significant obstacles to the efficient operation of the coil. An additional technological barrier to operate an inductively coupled lamp at high frequencies, is that parasitic effects, such as those affecting the performance of the coil, are also present in the coupling circuit, i.e., the circuitry, which operatively joins the power source of the lamp. Such effects are expected to complicate the circuit design of the coupling circuit. For example, at high frequencies even straight cables adopt inductive characteristics; a mutual inductance may occur between a straight cable and another straight cable. In addition, the various capacitances1 of certain parts of the coil with respect to other parts of the coupling circuit are also present. Therefore, with regard to both practical and technological barriers, those skilled in the art apparently have not yet configured lamp without electrodes as inductively coupled lamps connected to a power source operating at this frequency. For example, considerations regarding the coil Q factor and the high frequency coupling circuits suggest that an inductively coupled lamp of a very high frequency (for example above about 1 GHz) would be very efficient, if at all. The devices according to the present invention overcome one or more of the problems presented in the prior art by designing the lamp and the circuit elements, that is, by the size of the excitation structure and the physical size of the device. the circuit elements. Because the circuit elements Since the physically large ones are more susceptible to the eddy currents referred to in the previous one, the device of the present invention overcomes that deficiency by making the circuit elements sufficiently small (for example as small as practically ' possible) to allow efficient operation. Preferably, an effective electrical length of the coil is one that is less than about half the wavelength of a frequency of the supply applied thereto. More preferably, the length The effective electrical coil is less than about a quarter of the wavelength. More preferably, the effective electrical length of the coil is less than about one eighth of wavelength. The drive frequency preferably is greater than 100 MHz and can be greater than about 300 MHz, 500 MHz, 700 MHz, or 900 MHz. The devices of the present invention work optimally with coils in which the number of turns is preferably less than about 2 turns and, in certain examples, less than one turn. At high frequencies, a smaller number of turns reduces to the minimum and / or effectively eliminates the lap capacitance. Likewise, at high frequencies, the devices of the present use a coil with fewer turns to minimize the energy transfer losses due to the phase lag around the coil. Accordingly, the present invention comprises coils having less than one turn to coils having up to about six turns. Optionally, for example at operating frequencies of less than about 150 MHz, more than 2 turns are used! At progressively higher frequencies, especially >; about 2 turns or less are preferred. In general, for a given diameter bulb, Yna coil of given diameter, the preferred number of turns depends on the frequency, referring to fewer turns or less than one turn for lamps operating at higher frequencies. 4.1.1 First Coupling Circuit First example of an inductively coupled high frequency lamp.

As used herein, the first example relates generally to an inductively coupled electrodeless lamp according to the invention in which the coupling circuit comprises a "diving board" structure (as described further below). forward) and a helical excitation coil. The description of a first example of the invention will be made with reference to Figures 16-18, where similar elements have similar numbers. Figure 16 is a perspective view of the first example of a lamp without electrodes according to the invention. Figure 17 is a schematic top view of the first example of a lamp without electrodes according to the invention. Figure 18 is a partial sectional view of the first example of a lamp without electrodes according to the invention, taken along line 18-18 in Figure 17. As illustrated, lamp 40 without electrodes coupled inductively it includes a housing 46 housing a helical coil 42 with a bulb 43 disposed in the center of the coil 42. The bulb 43 is placed in the coil 42 by a support 47 (as best seen in Figure 18). The support 47 is preferably made of a material capable of being manipulated at high temperature of the surface of the bulb, but which does not conduct too much energy outside the bulb (for example, the support 47 does not a? A? »? aih. ^ M *. ^« should be so heat conductor, although some heat conduction may be desirable, as will be described later). For example, a material suitable for support 47 is quartz. The coil 42, the bulb 43 and the support 47 are disposed within the dielectric tube 45. The dielectric tube can be made of any suitable dielectric material including, for example, quartz or alumina. The power is provided to the lamp 40 through an input connector 41. The input connector 41 can be, for example, a coaxial connector of the type N having a central conductor, for receiving the high frequency signal, and an output conductor to ground, this output conductor being grounded electrically to the housing 46. The first conductive element, hereinafter referred to as "diving board" 48, is connected to one end of the external conductor to ground of the input conductor 41. A second conductor element, hereinafter referred to as a power feeder 49, is connected at one end to the central connector of the input connector 41. As shown in Figures 16 to 18, the diving board 48 and the power feeder 49 are connected together at their respective ends, near the dielectric tube 45. One end of the spool 42 is positioned opposite the diving board. 49, and the other end of the coil 42 is connected to ground to the housing 46. As best seen in Figure 18.1 a first capacitor is formed between a portion 42a of the coil 42 and a portion 48a of the diving board 48, with the dielectric tube 45 that provides the dielectric material for the first capacitor. A second capacitor is formed between a portion 42b of the coil 42 and a portion 49b of the power feeder 49, providing both the dielectric tube 45 and the air in the space between the tube 45 and the power feeder 49, the dielectric material for the second capacitor. In the Figures, the spool 42 is illustrated with about 2 turns, but may be more or less turns depending on the diameter of the bulb, the frequency of operation, etc., as discussed in the foregoing. Lamps that have external diameter bulb sizes that range from about 1 inch (25mm) to about 0.2 inch (5mm), with a typical bulb wall thickness of approximately 0.02 inch (0.5mm) were constructed and used, including light bulbs 5, 6 and 7mm in diameter. Of course, bulbs of smaller or larger size can be used in the lamps without electrodes according to the invention, with corresponding adjustments of the frequency, the size of the coil and the design of the circuit.

For example, efficiency generally improves if the internal diameter of the coil closely matches the external diameter of the bulb. At a presentation in 1994 at the Gas Electronics Conference in Gaithersburg, MD, David Wharmby, Ph. D. , quantified a power transfer ratio for inductively coupled lamps in the following equation: VP Equation (2) where the subscript a refers to the plasma, the subscript u refers to the coil, P is the power, Q is the quality factor, and k is the coupling coefficient. : The coupling coefficient k is a measure of the magnetic flux lines that link the coupling coil and j the current circuit inside the bulb. Placing the coil closer to the bulb increases the coupling coefficient, thereby increasing the power transfer ratio. In accordance with the foregoing, an inductively coupled high frequency lamp is constructed by way of example with the following dimensions. A housing 46 is constructed as a metal box, approximately 25mm (1 inch) in height, 38 mm (1.5 inches) in breadth and 50mm (2 inches) in length, with the top (for example, one of the walls of 38 by 50mm) removed. A . A typical type N connector 41 is installed throan opening at one end (eg, one of the 25 by 38 mm walls) of the housing 46. The power feeder 49 is a thin circuit conductor , | of about 0.33 mm (0.013 inches) thick, which has a width of about 4mm (0.16 inches). The power feeder 49 bro a curved path, starting at the center conductor of the input connector 41, bending down at an extension that has a length of about 6.5 mm (0.25 inches) to a lower end, curving again and extending towards the diving board 48 with an internal radius of approximately 1.25mm (0.05 inches), with the distance from the lower end to the board diving 48 from 15.25 | mm (0.6 inches) approximately. The shape and curved length of the power feeder 49 provides a relatively high inductance and a capacitance distributed with respect to the coil 42. The diving board 48 is a circuit conductor rector, approximately 0.65mm (0.025 inches) thick, having a width of approximately 8 mm (0.32 inches) and an overall length of approximately 26 mm (1.02 inches). One end of the diving board 48 is connected to the external conductor of the N-type connector 41. diving board 48 has a portion 48a bent at an angle approximately 21.5mm (0.85 inches) straight from, the end of the connector 41 to form a plate having a height of approximately 4.25 mm (0.17 inches). The power feeder 49 was connected (eg welded) to the diving board 48 at the bend. The straight section idel diving board 48 is adapted to provide low inductance and low resistance. The thin portion 48a of the diving board 48 provides an electrode of the resonant capacitor in series. The dielectric tube 45 is a quartz circular circular cylindrical housing having a height of approximately 28.75mm (1.13 inches) an internal diameter of approximately 10mm (0.4 inches) and a wall thickness of approximately 2mm (0.08 inches). The dielectric tube 45 sits on the lower portion of the housing 46 and rests on the bent portion 48a of the diving board 48. The resonant coil 42 in series is wound two and a half turns in a helix, having an outer diameter of approximately 10 mm (0.4 inches) an internal diameter of approximately 8 mm (0.32 inches) and one step | about 5mm (0.2 inches). The uppermost portion of the coil 42 is positioned opposite the side portion 48a of the diving board 48 and forms the other electrode of the resonant capacitor in series. The other end of the coil 42 is grounded (for example welded to the bottom of the housing 46). The 43 bulb is made of quartz, having! an outer diameter of approximately 8mm (0.32 inches) and an internal diameter of approximately 7mm (0.28 inches). The bulb 43 is filled with about 4 to 6 mg of selenium and a xenon plugging gas at a pressure of 300-1000 Torr. The bulb rests on a straight circular cylindrical quartz support 47 having an internal diameter of approximately 6 mm (0.24 inches), an outer diameter of approximately 8 mm (0.32 inches) and a height of approximately 6 mm (0.24 inches). Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of a system for operating and evaluating the lamps described herein. A high frequency signal source 52 is connected to an amplifier 53. The output of the amplifier 53 is connected to a circulator 54, which is connected through a directional coupler 55 to the lamp 40. The circulator 54 derives the reflected power at a load 56. The directional coupler 55 provides a plurality of leads that can be connected to the measurement devices 57. The device described above is made to work, for example, at 915 MHz with 30-100 watts of power supplied by an amplifier made by Communication Power Corporation, Brentwood, NY, Model No. 5M-915-1,5E2 OPT 001, connected by a coaxial cable to a Hewlett-Packard Network Analyzer Model No. 8505A. The circulator and directional coupler use commercially available components. The output of the directional coupler is connected to the input connector 41 through an axial cable. The inductively coupled lamp produces about 80 lumens per watt (ie, approximately 8,000 lumens per 100 watts of power). The device described above is driven by any suitable power source capable of providing an adequate level of power at high frequency. For example, a magnetron can be used as a power agent .. Preferably, the microwave power of the magnetron | it is coupled through an impedance coupler device to a coaxial cable to supply the power to the device. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the first example of a lamp without electrodes according to the invention. The circuit that couples the input power! The bulb is a resonant circuit in series. A series resonant circuit includes, for example, an inductor, (for example a coil) and a series capacitor having an alternating current flowing in the circuit during the operation. Initially, the power is supplied to the circuit and charged to the capacitor, then the capacitor discharges e ^ ^ B and the energy is stored in the inductor. As the current reaches a peak in the inductor, this recharge! the capacitor with an opposite polarity and the process repeats itself. The circulation would be perpetual, except for the fact that there are unavoidable losses in the circuit. The power supplied to the circuit fills the losses to keep the circuit in circulation and its resonant frequency. Because much of the current1 is conserved between the capacitor and the inductor, only one fraction of the stored energy needs to be replaced to keep the circuit running with a relatively high current, thereby allowing a relatively efficient circuit operation. As shown in Figure 20, a capacitor resonant in series CO and a resonant coil in series, LO form the main components of a series resonant circuit. A high frequency power source 51 provides a feed current through a supply inductor Ll. Ll connects to the capacitor resonant in series CO. The resonant capacitor in series CO is connected in series with the resonant coil in series LO, with which it is connected through a resistor Rl to earth. A small inductor L2 is connected between the ground and the junction of Ll and CO. A capacitance distributed Cl is shown with dotted lines connecting half of LO and Ll.

With respect to the first example shown in Figures 16-18, the series resonant coil LO corresponds to the coil 42. The series resonant capacitor CO corresponds to the first capacitor formed between the portions 42a and 48a1 of the coil 42 and the control board. 48 dive, respectively. The supply inductor Ll corresponds to the feeder! of frequency 49 and small inductor L2 corresponds to diving board 48. Distributed capacitance Cl corresponds primarily to the second capacitor formed between Yas portions 42b and 49b of coil 42 and power feeder 49, respectively, but also include many small Capacities formed between the surface of the supply inductor Ll and the surface of the LO coil (ie, each portion of the surface of the bobbin 42 has some capacitance with respect to each portion of the surface of the power feeder 49). During the operation, the energy is initially stored in the resonant capacitor in series CO, which then discharges and the current passes through the LO series resonant coil, down to ground. The current then passes back through the small inductor L2, (that is, the diving board 48), which is preferably a low inductance device. Therefore, the series resonant circuit primarily includes CO and LO, with L2 contributing with a small conductance. The inductor When power is supplied, it couples a small amount of energy in the series resonant circuit, which compensates for the losses (represented by Rl) for each ring. Rl represents, for example, two components of loss. One is the plate resistance reflected back in the primary circuit (for example, L2, CO, LO). The other is the inherent resistance 'of any non-superconducting circuit. The distributed capacitance Cl (between Ll and LO) can be adjusted to match the input impedance by altering the location of L2. Again with reference to Figures 16-18, the energy is carried through the N-type connector 41 through the power feeder 49, which is a relatively low current carrying element, as compared to the series resonant circuit, and it feeds the energy to the resonant circuit in series as energy is dissipated through coil 42 and the other elements in the circuit (part of the energy is lost in the operation, mainly resistance, and a small amount goes imperceptibly to RF radiation losses). Compared to the power feeder 49, the diving board 48 is a high current carrying element connected directly to ground, and is part of the series resonant circuit. The circulation current passes through the diving board 48, through the dielectric tube 46, to «A & ^ ..». I > ? »-. ^« -. «J ^ > » through coil 42, to earth and again around. During operation, a large voltage develops between the diving board 48 and the coil 42, in the order of 1000 to 10,000 volts. The dielectric tube 45 helps avoid the short circuit of the lamp circuit due to this high voltage. The dielectric tube 45 can also advantageously enclose an optically reflective powder, such as alumina or high purity silica. The distributed capacitance Cl is relatively small and its function is to provide the coupling (for example, match the impedance). For example, the position of the portion 49b of the power feeder 49 can be adjusted during the operation of the bulb, with respect to | the portion 42b of the coil (e.g., bound to be 'over near, further, higher or lower), to a coincidence so close to the practical of the input impedance of the power source (for example, nominally 50 ohms, although other input impedances are also possible). Of course, in production, the circuit can be configured from way that provides the matching of the desired impedance without any adjustments after production. According to the invention, the schematic circuit components are in fact formed by the physical structure of the conductive elements themselves. This circuit structure provides numerous advantages including cost reduction and complexity, as well as improved reliability. For example, this circuit structure overcomes short circuit problems of discrete circuit elements at high frequencies. Figure 21 is a schematic sectional representation of an H discharge occurring within a bulb. A simplified description of a H discharge is like the following. A plasma (for example, ionized gas) is contained within a bulb (for example, a container made of quartz). The series resonant circuit carries an alternating current through the coil that creates a variable time magnetic field. The changing magnetic field induces a current inside the bulb. The current passes through the plasma and excites the production of light. The plasma functions analytically as a single loose individual secondary coil of a transformer. Although the bulb shown in most of the examples described herein has a generally spherical shape, it may use certain shapes for the bulb with the inductively coupled lamp according to the invention. Figures 22-26 show alternative forms by way of example of bulb that Yon suitable for housing a discharge H. Figure 22 shows a perspective view of a bulb of generally cylindrical shape. Figures 23-26 show bulbs that are generally disc-shaped, also called bulbs in the shape of a box of pills. Figure 23 is a perspective view. Figures 24-26 are cross-sectional views through the center of the bulb, where the bulb is rotationally symmetric about a vertical axis around the center. Figure 24 shows' a box-shaped bulb of pills with rounded corners. The bulb shown in Figure 25 includes a dimple re-entrant at the bottom. The shapes of the light bulb shown are intended only to illustrate and not to limit. Other forms of 'the bulb are also possible. The filling material used may be sulfur or selenium based, but may include any other filler suitable for use in lamps without electrodes. Preferably, the filler in its ionized state provides | Moderately low impedance. Examples of suitable fillers include metal halides (for example InBr, Nal, Cal, Csl, SnCl). Mercury-based fillers can also be used. Figures 27-29 are perspective views I of exemplary structures of the first conductive element (ie, the diving board) and the second conductive element (ie, the power feeder) which are suitable for use in the first example of a lamp without electrodes according to the invention. The power supply is a lower current carrying element since the power supply only needs to carry power supply, which varies depending on the input power. The power feeder can have any reasonable shape, and is preferably curved or bent to provide a longer length (and therefore a higher inductance) than the diving board. 10 The diving board, on the other hand, is preferably a conductive element of low inductance high-current conveyor. The diving board carries all the current of the resonant circuit in series that circulates since the current passes through the capacitor, through the Diving board to ground, back through the coil. The diving board is shown thicker in some examples (for example Figure 28), but the diving board only needs to be thick enough to accommodate the surface depth of the current circulating. The surface depth varies depending on the material. Although the diving board is preferably straight, it can also have small curves or bends. In Figure 27, the power feeder 59 is a relatively thick cable (for example about 12 gauge) bent to approximately right angles and connected to the board dive 58 a short distance from the center of dive board 58 (ie, separated inward from double1 z). In Figure 28, the power feeder 79 is a relatively thick cable with curved folds. In Figure 28, the diving board 78 is a thicker circuit conductor with a used end connected (eg welded) to a metal plate 78a. In Figure 29, the diving board 88 has a portion 88a that is bent upward, rather than downwardly. 10 Although the first electrode of the capacitor is illustrated with specific shapes and / or positions, other shapes and / or positions are alternatively used. For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, the electrode of the capacitor can be square, rectangular, octagonal, circular, semi-circular, or other forms. The electrode can be placed above, below, in the center or otherwise deviated from the end of the diving board. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous other design selections are used alternatively for the power feeder, the diving board and the capacitor plate. Figures 30-32 show an alternative structure of the first example of a lamp without electrodes according to the invention. The main differences between this alternative structure and the example shown 'in Figures 16-18 is that inductively coupled lamp 80 without electrodes uses the combination of diving board 88 / power meter 89 shown in Figure 29 (with portion 88a bent up instead of down), rectilinear dielectric element 85 is used in place of the dielectric tube 45, and coil 82 includes a metal plate 82a (as best seen in Figure '27) as the second electrode of the capacitor. The operation of this alternative structure is essentially the same as that described above with respect to the operation of the lamp! 40 shown in Figures 16-18. Second example of an inductively coupled lamp! HIGH FREQUENCY As used herein, the second example relates generally to an inductively coupled electrodeless lamp according to the invention using the structure of the diving board coupled to an excitation coil in the form of a "washer" "(as described later). Later, a device that comprises | the first example described above (ie, an inductively coupled lamp having a diving board structure and a helical coil with about 1 revolution) is compared to several other examples including devices having a diving board structure and (1) a coil having a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape (as described in the '903 patent) and (2) a coil, in the form of a flat washer (which approximates the shape of the coil of the' 903 patent). Figures 33-35 show a schematic view, a sectional view, and a perspective view, respectively, of a coil 92 comprising the second example of a lamp without electrodes according to the invention. The coil 92 has a shaped structure generally washer, flat with a slot 93. The comparisons were made with washer-shaped coils having the following dimensions (in mm): DIAMETER WIDTH DIAMETER OF AXIAL HEIGHT INTERNAL EXTERNAL SLOT 9.5 15.9 3.5 1.6 9.5 19.7 3.5 3.3 9.5 22.9 3.5 1.0 9.5 22.9 3.5 0.1 9.5 15.9 3.5 1.0 9.5 15.9 3.5 0.3 Table 2 For certain comparisons, a plate was welded metal on the side of the coil, adjacent to the slot, to form an electrode of the resonant capacitor in series (see Figure 32). In addition, for certain comparisons, added a copper tube to the outside of the coil to provide cooling with water. Figures 36-37 show a schematic view and a sectional view, respectively, of a coil 122 in the shape of a washer cooled with water used in the second example of the lamp without electrodes according to the invention. The perimeter of the coil 122 is in thermal contact with the copper tube 124. Based on a comparison of the first and second examples, the washer-shaped coils were less efficient than the 1-turn helical coil lamp mentioned above. Also, washer-shaped coils that had a smaller external diameter were more efficient than washer-shaped coils that had a larger external diameter. As suggested in the '903 patent, the washer-shaped coils provided an effective way for less blocking of light. In general, the washer-shaped coils apparently also provide good heat handling characteristics. 4.1.2 Excitation Coil in the Form of a Novel Ring! Third Example of an inductively coupled high power lamp As used herein, the third example, refers generally to an inductively coupled electrodeless lamp according to the invention, which uses the structure of the diving board and a coil ! of excitation in the form of a "ring" (or bifurcation ring) novel (as described below). New excitation coil Figures 38-40 show a schematic view, a sectional view, and a perspective view, respectively, of an excitation coil according to the invention. According to the invention, a coil 132 has a structure in a generally "hoop" shape with a slot 133. Various hoop-shaped coils were constructed having the following dimensions (in mm): INTERNAL DIAMETER RADIAL THICKNESS AXIAL HEIGHT 9.5 1 3 1.3 9.5 1 3 1.9 9.5 1 3 2.5 9.5 1 3 3.2 9.5 0 6 1.3 9.5 0 6 1.8 9.5 0 6 2.3 9.5 0 6 2.8 9.5 0 6 3.3 9.5 0 6 3.8 1 9.5 0 6 4.3 9.5 0 6 5.1 9.5 0 6 6.4 Table 3 In each of the above examples, the width of the slot is approximately 1.8 and 3.5 mm. As used herein, a "hoop" coil generally refers to a relatively high axially and relatively thin radially conductive surface, preferably less than one turn, and preferably exhibits a configuration Not helical. In other words, an arg-shaped coil has a small radial thickness (ie, the difference between the external diameter and the internal diameter) and an axial height at least greater than the radial thickness. The hoop-shaped coils exhibited 'a significantly more efficient operation than either | the helical coil or the washer-shaped coils when they were coupled to essentially the same diving board structure. Figure 41 is a graphical illustration of current distribution in the excitation coil shown in Figures 38-40, of an operating lamp well coupled at high frequencies. In Figure 41, the distance at which the line 139 is separated from the surface of the coil 142 represents the amount of current flowing in that area of the coil 142. The current is distributed towards the outer edges of the coil 142. As can be seen in Figure 41, relatively little current flows in the middle section of the coil 142. Therefore, the current flowing in the coil 142 essentially forms two current circuits at the opposite outer edges of the coil 142. During the operation, the lamp works more efficiently with two current circuits. Half of the current flows in the two rings cause only one quarter of loss in each circuit. The total loss in the sum of the loss in each circuit results in half of the total losses for a lamp in operation. Therefore, efficiency is greatly improved. Generally, more current is distributed on the side of the bulb (if the coil is tightly coupled to the bulb). Indeed, the current of the coil and | the plasma stream come together to achieve minimization of energy. The narrower the coupling between the two currents, the greater will be the forces that drive the two currents so that they are as close to each other as possible. At high frequencies, substantially all | the current is transported at the surface depth idel material of the coil. As is well known in the art, the surface depth depends on the material and the frequency of operation. For example, the surface depth of copper (in inches) at room temperature is approximately 2.61 divided by the square root of the frequency. Therefore, at approximately 1 GHz, | The surface depth of copper is approximately 0.0001 inches (1/10 mil). Preferably, the radial thickness of the ring-shaped coil according to the invention is at least several surface depths, and most preferably, the radial thickness should be greater, of 10 surface depths. Preferred examples have a radial thickness less than about 0.8 mm (0.03 inches). For example, devices with an axial height of approximately 4.0 and 5.0 mm (0.15 to 0.2 inches) are constructed with a radial thickness of between about 0.18 and 0.54mm (0.007 to 0.21? Inches) and maintain a comparable efficiency within the range of radial thickness. For many thin coils ,! the material of the coil is alternatively deposited directly on an insulating surface. The preferred axial height for the eye-shaped coil according to the invention is at least greater than the radial thickness and up to about 2/3 of the internal diameter of the coil, providing better efficiency between 1/3 and 2/3 of the inner diameter of the coil. For example, when the axial height of the coil is approximately equal to the inner radius of the coil, the operation of the hoop-shaped coil approaches the Helmholtz coil configuration, i.e., a pair of flat circular coils having equal number of turns and equal diameters, arranged with a common axis and connected in series. The optimum arrangement for the Helmhóltz coils is when the separation between the two coils is equal to the radius. The Helmholtz coils are known because they produce a uniform magnetic field, the midpoint between the two coils being together with the common axis, the point of resistance of the almost uniform field. In an inductively coupled lamp, the uniformity of the field is generally not thought to be a parameter of critical operation. However, the integral volume of the power density in a Helmholtz ring / coil configuration is also at an optimum, thereby providing optimum inductive coupling to the volume between the coils. Therefore, with the appropriate axial height, an operating lamp using the eye-shaped coil i in accordance with the invention provides two current circuits separated by a distance equal to the internal radius of the coil. Each current circuit corresponds approximately to a coil of the Helmholtz coil configuration. A precise provision of Helmholtz, 'however, is not required for acceptable efficiency. As the height of the coil approaches the layout, ¡^ = Aa < ba ^ * 't3aM ** BMM? a ^ Helmholtz, losses are smaller, but decrease in an asymptotic manner. Therefore, the axial height of the coil may be somewhat higher or lower than the internal radius of the coil with only a small effect on efficiency. Consequently, the ring / Helmholtz configuration provides a strong system that allows a wide range! of designs for other lamp parameters. Figures 42-57 are perspective views and schematic views, respectively, of different examples of the novel excitation coil according to the invention. Figures 38-40 show a preferred hoop-shaped coil with an axial height approximately equal to the internal radius. As illustrated in Figure 41, little current flows in the middle section of the eyelet coil. Consequently, the middle section can be removed without causing great effect on the efficiency of the coil. A coil in the form of a "bifurcation ring" refers to a coil in a generally hoop shape with at least a middle portion of the hoop removed. When the bifurcation ring windings having two or more parallel rings are compared in terms of efficiency with the ring-shaped coil, there are no significant differences in terms of efficiency. Figures 42-43 show a preferred structure of a bifurcation hoop coil with all but a small portion of the middle third of the hoop coil removed. Figures 44-45 show an alternative structure with the middle third of the hoop removed, at about half of the hoop-shaped coil. Figures 46-47 show an alternative structure, where only a thin ribbon of each bifurcation ring remains. More preferably, the bifurcation ring is made to be relatively thicker in order to reduce the current density in the coil material, thereby reducing power losses (e.g., heating the coil to a lesser degree) and making the lamp more efficient. Figures 48-49 illustrate that a rectangular cross section and that the edges can be rounded. Other shapes for the edges are also possible. Preferably, the shapes and centers after the coil allow the current to be dispersed. In general, the more dispersed the greater current is the efficiency since the localized power losses are reduced. When the radial thickness of the coil is made too thin (although the parasitic current losses are reduced to a minimum), the current density and the corresponding power losses increase. 25 Figures 50-51 are perspective views and schematic views, respectively, of a further example of the novel excitation coil according to the invention. In this example, the tips to the coil do not extend beyond the external diameter to the coil, so that it can be placed inside a toroidal shaped bulb. Figures 51 shows a perspective view of a toroidal bulb. In the case of Figure 51, the coil 42 can be placed either inside the bulb or outside it, depending on the application. Figures 52-57 show examples of ring coils and bifurcation rings with integral tips to connect the rest of the lamp circuit. Note that, as shown in Figures 56-57, the upper and lower sections of the coil do not need to physically connect as long as the currents passing through the two sections are close in phase and of almost the same magnitude. Figures 58-62 are schematic diagrams showing lamps utilizing different different bifurcation ring-shaped coil arrangements i, in accordance with the invention. In each of Figures 58-161, the circuits are configured so that the run in each of the bifurcation rings are close in phase and approximately equal in magnitude. In Figure 58, an individual power source drives both rings.

In Figure 59, two power sources drive the two rings separately. In Figure 60, two power sources separately power the two rings, and the tips of the two rings are placed in the opposite directions. In Figure 61, three power sources I power separately three rings, one centrally positioned, and the other two separated symmetrically around the center. The circuit in Figure 62 deviates from the bifurcation ring structure that is discussed in! the previous thing since it does not provide two circuits of current precisely in phase. Rather, the circuit in Fig. 61 illustrates the two rings of the branch loop coil connected in series to form a two-loop circuit coil. Circuit coils typically have a higher Q, providing advantages at low frequencies. With proper separation of the current circuits, the circuit in Figure 61 approaches the configuration of the Helmholtz coil and can provide good efficiency at relatively low frequencies. At relatively higher frequencies, however, proximity effects and other parasitic currents would adversely affect the efficiency of the circuit shown in Figure 62 to a greater degree than, for example, the circuit shown in Figure 58.

- MhMfáj * aa? * &? ** - ??? ¡yes Although the "ring" excitation coil has been described in the foregoing with reference to specific shapes and structures, these examples should be considered illustrative and not limiting . For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, coils in the form of a cross section may be employed., arbitrary, elliptical, square, rectangular, kidney in place of the examples of circular cross sections mentioned above. Also, in that the "hoop" excitation coil has been described above, coupled to a diving board structure, the novel excitation coil according to the invention can be used with other circuit designs. For example, depending on | In the operating frequency, a suitable lamp can be constructed from discrete components (for example, outside the cover capacitors). In addition, although the novel "hoop" coil has been described with respect to high efficiency lamps that operate at high frequencies and / or very high frequencies (e.g., above 900 MHz), the utility of this configuration is not limited to such applications of high or very high frequency. For example, the novel excitation coil according to the invention is suitable for a lamp operating at approximately 13.56 MHz, 2 MHz, 1 MHz, or lower frequencies, providing the above advantages at these lower operating frequencies. as. 4.1.3. Second Coupling Circuit Fourth example of an inductively coupled lamp of a ^ Lta frequency As used herein, the fourth example relates generally to an inductively coupled electrodeless lamp according to the invention that couples a structure of " "pallet" (as defined later herein) to an excitation coil in a ring (or bifurcated) eye. The fourth example of the invention is described generally with reference to Figures 63-67, where like elements are designated with similar numbers. FIG. 63 is a perspective view of a fourth example of a lamp without an electrode. according to the invention, which uses an example of the excitation coil with eyelet shape shown in Figures 38-40. Figure 64 is a top schematic view of the fourth example. Figure 65 is a fragmentary sectional view of an exemplary capacitor structure used by the fourth example of a non-electrode lamp according to the invention, taken along line 65-65 of Figure 64. ' Figure 66 is a sectional view of the fourth example taken along line 66-66 in Figure 64. Figure 67 ^ is a sectional view of the fourth example, taken along line 67-67 in Figure 64. As illustrated, an inductively coupled lamp 140 without electrodes includes a housing 146 housing a ring-shaped coil 142 with a bulb 143 disposed in the center of the coil 142. The bulb 143 can be placed in the coil 142 by, for example,! a support as described in relation to the first example. One side of the groove of the coil 142 is connected (eg, welded) to a first plate 142a which extends downwards and connects to a base 148 which is grounded with respect to the housing 146. The first plate 142a places the coil 142 inside the housing 146. The other side of the groove of the coil 142 is connected to a second plate 142b, 5 which is not grounded. Power is provided to the lamp 140 through an input connector 141. The input connector 141 can be, for example, a coaxial connector having a center conductor and an external ground conductor. | The 0 center conductor carries the high frequency signal i (ie the power). The external conductor to ground is electrically connected to housing 146. A conductive element, hereinafter referred to as a vane 149, is connected to one end of the center conductor of the input conductor 14. A portion of the other driver's center 14 entry. A portion of the other end of the vane 149 extends between the plates 142a and 142b, where it is sandwiched between a first dielectric element 145a and a second dielectric element 145b. As best seen in Figures 63 and 65, the capacitors are formed between the end portion of the vane 149 and the plates 142a and 142b. A first capacitor is formed between the plate 142a and the end portion of the vane 149, providing the dielectric member 145a with the dielectric material 0 for the first capacitor. A second capacitor is formed between the plate 142b and the end portion of the vane 149, the dielectric element 145b providing the dielectric material for the second capacitor. Figure 68 is a schematic diagram of the fourth example of a lamp without electrodes according to the invention. The series resonant circuit includes two capacitors Cl and C2 connected in series with each other and connected in series with a resonant LO coil in series. A power source of 151 provides a high frequency signal to 0 through a small inductance Ll to the junction of Cl and C2. The other side of C2 is grounded. The LO resonant coil in series is also connected to ground through a small resistor Rl, which represents the resistance of the grouped circuit. 5 During operation, the circuit works like a resonant in series and both Cl and C2 that work together are the series resonant capacitor. In other words, the two capacitors Cl and C2 connected in series effectively provide a capacitance CO of resonance in series. The capacitor CO and the inductor LO together form the series resonant circuit, which during the operation has a circulating current. The power is supplied to the series resonant circuit in the form of a high frequency alternating current. As the power continues to be supplied, the energy moves between the capacitors, Cl and C2, and the LO coil in an alternating fashion. There are unavoidable losses in the circuit, represented by Rl in Figure 68. The energy (power) supplied! the series resonant circuit fills the losses, and I the series resonant circuit continues to operate. The lamp is considered to operate at an applied input power frequency. In other words, the system operates at the frequency of the power source, assuming that the frequency of the power source is sufficiently close to the frequency of the current series resonant circuit. During the operation,! the plasma of the bulb reflects a certain amount of resistive back to the circuit and there is some natural resistance (represented collectively by Rl). The current resonant frequency of the series resonant circuit does not need to exactly match the frequency of the power source. The resonant frequency of preference is approximately the same as the power of the power source, taking into account that the Q of the circuit with the charged circuit (that is, with a light bulb in operation). Depending on the Q of the circuit, the effective operating frequency regime can be relatively broad. In other words, the circuit can operate out of the current resonance and still operate efficiently (i.e., fairly matched and functioning fairly well. Referring again to FIG. 63, during operation of the fourth example of the invention, the power of High frequency is carried out from the connector 141 and is supplied through the paddle 149 to the series resonant circuit I. The paddle 149 is an element that carries relatively low current, in comparison with the rest of the circuit, and has a small inductance (ie, included in the Ll together with the load of the connector.) Paddle 149 feeds power to the series resonant circuit as energy dissipates through coil 142 (ie, LO) and other loose elements. In the circuit, for example, some energy is lost during the operation, mainly due to the resistance (ie, Rl) .A small amount of energy can also be lost by radiation. to circulating current passes through coil 142 and through the first circulates passes through the coil 142 and through the first capacitor (formed by the plate 142a, the dielectric element 145a and the end portion of the vane 149) and the second capacitor (formed by the end portion of the vane 149, the element dielectric 145b and plate 142b). Preferably, the first capacitor (i.e., Cl) provides high voltage and low capacitance and the second capacitor (i.e., C2) provides low voltage and high capacitance. Therefore, in the fourth example, the series resonant circuit is confined to a space that is just around the coil 142 and through the two capacitors. Preferably, the two capacitors are formed between the slot of the coil 142 to keep the circuit elements as small as possible. The two capacitors perform a dual function of (1) tuning the resonant frequency and (2) providing impedance matching for the input power source. The impedance of the input power source is matched by the impedance of the coupling circuit (including the paddle). The impedance is nominally 50 ohms since many commercially available power supplies are presented in 50 ohms. However, the circuit can easily match impedance to other impedances of the input sources including, for example, 10 ohms. The coincidence of and of Ll. Typically, there are no problems in choosing capacitor values that provide both good impedance matching and the proper resonant frequency for the series resonant circuit. The resonant frequency I is determined by the equation: 1 Equation (3) 2pVC0xL0 where Equation (4) With respect to the series resonant circuit, c'l and C2 can have any relation provided that the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals is equal to the desired CO. Preferably, as discussed above, Cl and C2 bifurcate so that Cl provides high voltage and low capacitance and C2 provides low voltage and high capacitance. Therefore 1 / C2 is a small value compared to 1 / C1, and therefore, C2 only has a small and imperceptible influence on the resonant frequency. With respect to the impedance matching, the ratio of Cl and C2 is the important factor. Thus, for I to select the appropriate values for Cl and C2 ¡which provide both the desired resonant frequency and the appropriate impedance, the following procedure can be used: ,,., .- ^ ^, ^ :, ¡^. ¿¿¿¿? > .. 1) Determine the LO value for the specific lamp configuration; 2) Select the CO value that provides' a resonant frequency in series that coincides very closely with the frequency of the power source (this can be adjusted subsequently and slightly to take into account the Q of the circuit in charged operation); 3) Choose Ll (preferably small) and the ratio of Cl and C2 to provide impedance matching for the signal source (eg, 50 Ohms); 4) Select a value of Cl close to the value of 'CO (typically a small capacitance, for example,' of the order of picofaced); and 5) Select a value of C2 that satisfies the ratio for the impedance match (typically the much larger capacitance eg, of the order of 50 a, 100 times greater than Cl). The specific dimensions (ie, how much, the coil turns, the spacing between the blade and the electrode on the one hand, and the separation between the blade and the electrode on the other side) are determined as a function of the material dielectric (that is to say its dielectric constant), the frequency of operation, and the resonant frequency | of the circuit (that depends on the inductance of the coil) The capacitance depends on the area of the size of the electrode lasi as of the dielectric material and its thickness. For a particular lamp configuration, the choices for the materials and sizes of the capacitor can be determined easily by the person skilled in the art. The preferred choice material is a tangent material of low loss of reasonable dielectric constant. Dielectric materials include, for example, alumina and quartz. In comparison with the coupling circuit? of diving board, the paddle coupling circuit is well confined in space. Although both structures include a resonant circuit in series, in the structural coupling of the diving board the high current passes through the housing and the diving board itself. This current path produces a resonant circuit in series that is greater than that for the paddle coupling circuit, and therefore is less efficient. By reducing1 the current path, the pallet coupling structure can be made about 1.3 to 2 times more efficient than the board coupling structure, diving, depending on a particular lamp configuration. 4.1.4 Field Concentrator Conducting Surface Fifth example of an inductively coupled frequency lamp 25 As used herein, the fifth example is generally refers to an inductively coupled electrodeless lamp according to the invention using a vane structure, the excitation coil in the form of a ring (or bifurcation ring) and a "chimney tube" (as defined). later in the present). The lamp housing is important to provide RF protection. The lamp housing can have any reasonable shape that encompasses the circuit of the Faraday box. In general, losses of radiation through conduction or electromagnetic radiation through the power cable. A Faraday box prevents electromagnetic radiation from escaping through the housing. Other conventional methods can be used to protect the radiation through the power cable. 15 In addition, the choice of housing can improve the efficiency of the lamp. For example, in the absence of a housing (for example, on the inside, but without sides or top) the lamp operates more efficiently than with a housing dimensioned so adequate (with sides included). Likewise, as the size of the housing changes, the relative efficiency of the lamp also changes. The location of the hoop-shaped coil above the ground plane and the distance between the coil and the walls of the housing also affect the efficiency of the lamp . Figure 69 is a perspective view of selected components of the fifth example of a lamp without electrodes according to the invention. As shown in Figure 69, an inductively coupled lamp 150 without electrodes includes a conductive surface (in I hereinafter referred to as a chimney tube 151). Lamp 150 is otherwise similar to lamp 140, arites described with respect to Figures 63-68. As shown in Figure 69, the chimney tube 151 is a semicylindrical conductive surface, which is connected (e.g., welded) to the mounting base of the lamp 150 thereby grounding the chimney tube 151. Chimney tube 151 is preferably positioned symmetrically around the coil. However, the chimney tjubo 151 can be positioned asymmetrically with respect to the coil having only a small effect on efficiency. If the lamp housing includes an upper part, the coil is preferably positioned centrally with respect to the upper part and the lower part. However, when the housing does not include an upper part, moving the coil so that it is closer to the lower part of the housing improves the efficiency, a preferred separation being that which is the diameter of a coil from the lower part. . The distance from the coil »-Al ?? ilri-flMWWteTff7r1» ll l ^ j .- ^ Suá ^ yt ^? ^ A.? The walls of the flue pipe also have an effect on efficiency, with half the diameter of the bobin also being a preferred distance for optimal efficiency. For example, with a ring-shaped coil 'having an outer diameter of approximately 7.62 mm (0.3 inches), the height and diameter of the chimney tube 151 is preferably about 22.86 'mm (0.9 inches). In housings with an upper part, the lamp is the most efficient if the hoop-shaped coil is placed at approximately one diameter of the coil (i.e. 7.62 mm) above the ground plane. The chimney tube according to the invention can have any reasonable shape. For example, | Figure 70 is a perspective view of an alternative structure by way of example for a chimney pipe used in the fifth example of the invention. In Figure 70, a lamp 160 includes a chimney tube 161 which is generally box-shaped. The electric fields will not penetrate the flue pipe. The mirror currents are induced in the flue pipe. The efficiency of the lamp can be improved because the mirror currents in the chimney tube can act to concentrate the magnetic and electric fields to the inner region of the bulb. This affects the electrical parameters of the coil and can affect the ^ EUM ^ ÉA resonant frequency. 4.1.5 Ceramic Thermal Pool to Cool the Coil Excitation Sixth example of an inductively coupled high frequency lamp As used herein, the sixth example 'refers generally to an inductively coupled electrodeless lamp according to the invention using a paddle structure, the excitation coil in the form of a ring (or bifurcation ring) and a thermal pool (as described hereinafter). During operation, the resistance in the coil results in power losses in the coil and increases the coil temperature. The high temperatures increase the resistance of the coil, thereby measurably decreasing the efficiency. Therefore, it is desirable to use a thermal sink to cool the coil. Conventional thermal pool methods for coating conventional coils include cooling with water, thermal tubes, or making massive coils (for example, the coil, of the? 903 patent). Each of these conventional methods, however, requires making the radial thickness of the coil greater. As discussed above, it is preferable to make the radial coil relatively thin, as described above.

Figure 71 is a perspective view of the selected components of the sixth example of a lamp without electrodes according to the invention. As shown in Figure 71, an inductively coupled lamp 170 without electrodes includes a thermal sink 171. The thermal sink 171 is preferably in intimate thermal contact with the coil. The surface of the thermal pool that makes contact with the coil must be smooth in order to have a good thermal cont ct. Preferably, the thermal sink 171 is made of a material having high thermal conductivity, but little or no thermal conductivity. For example, a preferred material for the thermal sink 171 includes high thermal conductivity ceramics, such as, for example, beryllium oxide (BeO). Other materials may also be suitable. For example, boron nitride (BN) has good thermal characteristics and has an additional advantage, in this application, since BN conducts heat laterally (i.e., in a radial direction). Therefore, the use of BN can allow more precise control of heat flow. Aluminum nitride i (AIN) may also be suitable. However, as discussed below in detail, the thermal sink made of AIN can degrade the performance of the lamp at high frequencies. 25 For example, the addition of a thermal pool 'of BeO results in improved operation of the lamp with respect to both the stability regime and operation. While the thermal sink 171 shown in Figure 71 generally has a cylindrical shape, other shapes are possible. For example, Figure 72 shows a perspective view of an alternative structure by way of example of a thermal sink used in the sixth example of a lamp without electrodes according to the invention. In Figure 72, a lamp 180 includes a thermal sink 181 that is box-shaped. These examples should be considered illustrative and not limiting. The choice of material and the structure of the thermal sink has a significant effect on the operation of the lamp. At high frequency, the differences in reliability around the coil result in a less uniform magnetic field. With the coil surrounded by a dielectric material (ie, a ceramic material), the electrical length of the coil increases, depending on the dielectric constant of the material. As the electrical length of the coil approaches a substantial fraction of the wavelength of the power source, the effects of phase shifting become more pronounced. For example, the North American Patent iNo. 5,498,937 (hereinafter "the patent? 937") describes a ¡^ Lamp without electrode that uses AIN as a material! of support for a conventional helical coil. The lamp described in the? 937 patent is operated at 13.56 MHz (ie, low frequency). However, the relatively high dielectric constant of AIN makes it less suitable for high frequency operation. For example, AIN has a dielectric constant] of about 9, and lengthen the electrical length of the coil by a factor of about 3. On the other hand, BeO, which has thermal characteristics similar to IN, has a dielectric constant of only about ^ 6, and therefore lengthen the electrical length of the coil to a degree less than AIN. The dielectric constant of BN is about 4, although the thermal characteristics of 'BN are less advantageous than either AIN or BeO. Seventh example of an inductively coupled high frequency lamp I. As used herein, the seventh example refers generally to an inductively coupled lamp without electrodes according to the invention using a pallet structure. The ring-shaped excitation coil (or bifurcation ring), a thermal sink, and a chimney tube. Figure 73 is a perspective view of a seventh example of a lamp without electrodes in accordance with nt | i ^^^ H ^ l ^ | lS ^ g¡g the invention. Figure 74 is a perspective view of an alternative structure of the seventh example of the lamp without electrodes according to the invention. As can be seen in Figure 73 and 74, various aspects of the different examples described above can be combined to provide an inductively coupled lamp without electrodes of high efficiency. The effect of placing the thermal sink in the space between the coil and the chimney tube is that the thermal resistance between the coil and the thermal pool can be dramatically reduced. In general, the chimney tube can be made of a material that is a good thermal conductor, such as copper or aluminum. The large contact area between the coil and the thermal pool, and the thermal pool chimney pipe, in combination with the relatively short distance through the thermal pool, provides a better thermal contact between the thermal pool and the coil. As a result, the coil temperature is reduced, the concomitant increase in the coil resistance is reduces and overall efficiency increases. 4.1.6 Lamp with Enhanced Thermal Characteristics Eighth example of an inductively coupled high-frequency lamp In some applications, the thermal sink does not needs to be extended along with the coil throughout the circumference of the coil. To reduce the phase slip and keep the electrical length of the coil as small as possible, a preferred thermal sink arrangement includes an individual earthenware of dielectric material, positioned opposite to the potential feeder of the coil. Thermal embedding of the coil is further improved by the use of substantial entry and / or exit contact points, preferably made of metal such as, for example, copper. Figure 75 is a perspective view of an eighth example of a lamp without electrodes according to the invention. Figure 76 is a schematic top view of the eighth example of the invention. Figure 77 is a cross-sectional view of the eighth example taken throughout of line 77-77 in Figure 76. Figure 78 is a cross-sectional view of the eighth example taken along line 78-78 in Figure 76. With reference to Figures 75-78 where the Similar elements are indicated by similar numbers, an inductively coupled lamp 190 without electrodes includes a housing 196 which houses a ring-shaped coil 192. A bulb 193 is placed in the center of the coil 192 and supported by a dielectric material 195. The power is transported to the lamp 190 by means of a point 191 of thin cable that connects to a pallet 199.

Alternatively, a coaxial connector i can be fixed to the housing 196 with the power being carried in the center conductor. An individual dielectric element 194 is: in intimate thermal contact with a portion of the coil 192, at a position opposite to where the power is carried through the tip 191. The tip 191 is connected to the paddle '199 within the housing 196. The vane 199 extends between the dielectric elements 199a and 199b, thereby forming the capacitors of the series resonant circuit as described above. in detail above. To improve the thermal conductivity of coil 192, the radial thickness of the coil is made as thick as possible without significantly reducing efficiency. For example, for a coil that has 5 mm internal radius and For an axial height of 4 to 6 mm, the radial thickness of the botiin should be approximately 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm. To improve the thermal engagement of the coil 192, the ground contact is substantial and is connected to the front, upper and lower part of the housing. The thermal conduction of The lamp 190 also improves by minimizing the separation of the coil 192 to the housing 196 consistent with the efficient operation as described above with respect to the chimney tube. For example, for a coil with an internal radius of 5 mm, the housing 196 should be a straight cylinder with the coil at its center. He 196 housing should have an external diameter | approximately 20-30 mm and a height of approximately 20 mm. Preferably, the dielectric elements 194 and 195 are thermally conductive ceramic elements such as, for example, BeO, BN or A1N. If the base deformation is to be minimized, BN is a preferred material. The size of the bulb and the diameter of the coil can be reduced to shorten the dielectric length of the coil. Likewise, the frequency of operation can be decreased to reduce the effects of phase slip. In the eighth example, the bulb 193 is encased by a reflector bushing 198, examples of which are described in section 4.2.2 below and in PCT Publication WO 97/45858. The reflector cap 198 forms an aperture for emitting light therefrom. This aperture lamp configuration provides a source of high brightness light. The lamp 190 can be used with or without a light guide which is in register with the opening. 4.1.7 Novel Omega Excitation Coil Ninth Example of an Inductively High Frequency Coupled Lamp Figures 79-80 are schematic views and, in perspective, respective, of an alternative structure for the novel excitation coil according to the invention, which is used in a ninth example of a lamp without electrodes according to the invention. Figure 71 is a schematic top view of the ninth example of the invention. Figure 82 is a cross-sectional view 5 taken along line 82-82 in Figure 81. As shown in Figures 79-80, the novel exciting coil 220 has a corresponding cross-sectional shape. general way to the Greek letter omega (O). The coil 220 in the shape of "omega" has a The ring-shaped excitation portion generally, with the tips 220a and 220b are bent tangent to the excitation portion and parallel to each other. As best seen in Figure 79, the omega 220 coil may include tips 220a and 220b that are not symmetrical with each other. Figures 81-82 show the omega 220 coil mounted on a printed circuit board 221. The printed circuit board 221 is a double-sided board with a dielectric layer 222 and the conductive areas 224 and 226a-226c arranged on them. The manufacture of such printed circuit boards is well known. The conductive area 226c covers the entire side of the printed circuit board 221 and is referred to as the ground plane. The conductive areas 226a and 226b are electrically connected to the plane a earth 226c (for example, through plate holes or other types of electrical connection). The conductive area 224 forms a strip line impedance matching circuit with a portion 224a corresponding essentially to the pallet structure as described in the previous examples. As best seen in Figure 82, a first capacitor is formed by the tip 220a, the dielectric element 230, and the vane portion 224a. A second capacitor is formed between the vane portion 224a, the dielectric element 222 and the printed circuit board 221 and the ground plane 226c. The printed circuit board 221 is mounted on a metal plate 232. The ground plane 226c is in electrical contact with the metal plate 232. The metal plate 232 adds resistance to the assembly and provides a mounting location for a coaxial connector 228.! The coaxial connector 228 has a central conductor that is connected (eg, welded) to the strip line 224. The outer case of the coaxial connector 228 is grounded to the metal plate 232. Compared to the previous examples, the omega 220 coil simplifies the manufacturing process. For example, the omega 220 coil is mounted directly on a printed circuit board in a manner similar to a component for mounting a surface. Likewise, the omega 220 coil takes advantage of the dielectric layer 222 of the printed circuit board 221, thus requiring only a single additional dielectric element 230 during assembly. The dielectric element 230 can be assembled on the printed circuit board 221 using conventional automated assembly techniques. 4.1.8 Integrated Lamp Head Tenth example of an inductively coupled frequency lamp Figure 83 is a perspective view of a integrated lamp head for a tenth example of a lamp without electrodes according to the invention. Figures 84-85 are schematic top side views, respectively, of the tenth example. Figure 86 is a cross-sectional view of the tenth example taken at! the along line 86-86 in Figure 85. As shown in Figure 83, an integrated lamp head 200 includes a housing 206 that spans a ceramic insert 204. The overall dimensions of the lamp head 200 are approximately 40. mm wide x 50 mm 'of long x 15 mm deep. As best seen in FIG. 86, housing 206 includes aluminum (AI) 206a and aluminum-silicon carbide (AISiC) 206b. The integrated lamp head 200 is a monolithic structure comprising a metal matrix holding a ceramic element electrically insulating. The integrated lamp head 200 it can be manufactured, for example, by the manufacturing methods described in U.S. Patent 5,570,502 (entitled "Fabricating Metal Matrix Composites Containing Electrical Insulators"), 5,259,436 (entitled "Fabrication of Metal Matrix Composites by Vaccum Die Casting") , 5,047,182 (entitled "Complex Ceramic and Metallic Shapes by Low Pressure Forming and Sublimative Drying"), 5,047,181 (entitled "Forming of Complex High Performance Ceramic and Metallic Shapes"), 4,904,? 411 (entitled "Highly loaded, Pourable Suspensions and of Particulate Materials"), 4,882,304 (entitled "Liquefaction of Highly Loaded Composite Systems"), and 4,816,182 (entitled "Liquefaction of Highly Loaded Particulate Suspensions"), each of which is incorporated in the present for reference in its entirety. Generally speaking, the integrated lamp head 200 is manufactured according to the following procedure. A preform of silicon carbide (SiC) and an insert 204 of boron nitride (BN) are properly placed in a die cavity. Aluminum in liquid phase (or aluminum alloy) is forced into the die cavity (for example, by vacuum pressure), where the aluminum infiltrates the porous SiC pre-form and fills any other spaces found in this open way in the die cavity. Aluminum in liquid phase solidifies as forming thereby a casting structure in given that it has a mixed element of metallic matrix around and through the porous pre-form of SiC and the insert 204 of ¡BN. The aluminum solidifies in space between the BN insert 204 and the AISiC 206b, thereby forming a chimney tube 206c as described above with respect to the fifth example. The die casting structure is then machined to form the lamp head 200. For example,! the insert 204 BN is formed with a channel 204a corresponding to the external diameter and the axial height of the eye-shaped excitation coil 202i. During the fabrication process, the aluminum fills the channel and the center of the insert BN 204. Subsequently, the center of insert 204 BN is drilled with a bore having a diameter corresponding to the internal diameter of coil 202, thereby forming coil 202 in the form of a ring. The given cavity may include a pin that engages a substantial portion of the center of the BN insert during the infiltration process to limit the amount of aluminum that is then punctured. Similarly, a slot 205 is machined in the die cast structure to form the tips a, the spool 202. The width of the machined slot yields adequate space for a palette and elements to be inserted afterwards. a ^^^^^^^^ associated dielectrics to form the series resonant circuit. Other machining can be performed as desired for particular applications. For example, the lamp head 200 includes the holes 209 and is machined to receive the mounting hardware 207. As shown in Figures 84-86, the bulb 203 is encased in a reflector bushing 208 that forms an aperture 208a. The bulb 203 is centered approximately axially and radially with respect to the coil 202. i bulb 203 and bushing 208 can be manufactured, as described in section 4.2 below. In general terms, the reflector bushing 208 is formed by placing the bulb 203 on the lamp head 200 and emptying a liquid solution of micro and nanoparticles of alumina and silica around bulb 203. The solution hardens when it dries and the opening is subsequently formed by removing part of the hardened reflector material. Alternatively, the bulb 203 can be pigeon-holed separately with the reflector bushing 208, and subsequently inserted into the lamp head 200 as a unit. In the preferred examples, a lower portion 206d of the housing 206 is removed (eg, by grinding or otherwise machining die casting). He insert 204 of BN forms a shoulder 204b with the AISiC 2 '? 6b which registers vertically the insert 204 BN during the infiltration process and secures the insert 204 BN if the lower portion 206d is removed. The integrated lamp head 200 offers many advantages. For example, the lamp head 200 provides a mechanically rigid physical structure for containing and protecting the bulb. The lamp head 200 provides a package that is easily adapted for attachment to external optical elements. The integrated lamp head 200 also offers advantages in thermal ventilation. The lamp head 200 provides intimate thermal contact between the coil 202 and the thermal sink (e.g., the BN insert 204) and between the thermal sink and the lamp body (e.g., the housing 206). Preferably, the coefficient of expansion of the coil, the thermal sink and the body of the lamp are matched so that the intimate thermal contact is maintained during the thermal cycle (for example, the lamp is turned on, the operation in state static, and the lamp goes off). Preferably, the material of the thermal sink also provides a thermal conduction coefficient which is suitable for operating the lamp at the desired temperature. In the ninth example,] the coefficient of expansion of the insert 204 of BN is suitably matched to the coefficient of expansion of the portion 206a of AISiC of the housing 206. With these ÜÉMar? i ¡üfi ¡¡gg ^ H materials, the lamp head 200 effectively leads the heat away from the bulb and also conducts heat away from the inductive housing to maintain high RF efficiency of the coupling. The integrated lamp head 200 advantageously provides a suitable conductive screen around the bulb and the coupling circuit for reducing the radiation of RF energy to the external environment. In addition, the lamp head 200 provides the aforementioned advantages in an integrated package that can be manufactured wholesale in a cost-effective manner. Figures 87-88 are top and side schematic views, respectively, of a lamp assembly I using the ninth example of the invention. The lamp head housing 206 is mounted on a base 210. A bracket 212 is connected to one end of the base 210 and a coaxial connector 214 is supported. A center conductor of the coaxial connector 214 is electrically connected to a paddle 216 which is extends between the tips of the coil 202. As described above with respect to the fourth example, a thin dielectric element is placed between the vane 216 and the ground toe of the coil 202 and a relatively thicker dielectric element is placed between the coil. blade 216 and the other tip of coil 202. Base 210 includes a channel 218 that accommodates an ignition wire. For light bulbs that have difficulty igniting, an insulated wire can be routed through channel 218 so that an exposed end of the cable is placed near the bottom of the bulb. 5 A high potential can be applied between the coil and the ignition cable1 to generate a sufficient electric field resistance to ionize the gas inside the bulb and initiate the short circuit process with it. Although a channel has been provided for a start cable in the base 2/10, for most lamp configurations, use | of a start cable is not required. The integrated lamp heads are constructed with coils with internal diameters ranging from approximately 7 mm to approximately 8.5 mm, radial thicknesses which vary from about 0.15 mm to about 0.8 mm with a preferred radial thickness of 0.5 mm, and axial heights ranging from about 3 mm to 5 mm with a preferred axial height being about H internal diameter. The bulbs are used with lamp heads integrated ones that typically have an external diameter (OJD.) Of approximately 7 mm and an internal diameter (I.D.) of approximately 6 mm. The bulbs are typically spherical, although some optionally have a flattened top and some have optionally shaped box of pills.

Although the examples of an integrated lamp head described herein refer generally to inductively coupled lamps, the head of the integrated lamp according to the invention can be easily adapted to provide coupled capacity lamps, traveling wavelengths. and even microwave lamps. Other excitation structures may be formed on the inner surface of the insulating ceramic element to provide lamps configured in a different manner. For example, opposite electrodes may be formed to provide a coupled capacity lamp. Other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Four . 1 . 8 1 Omega coil Tenth first example of an inductively coupled high frequency lamp Figure 89 is a perspective view of an integrated lamp head for a eleventh exemplary lamp without electrodes according to the invention. 'Figures 90-91 are schematic front and top views, respectively, of the eleventh example. Figure 92l is an enlarged fragmented view of an area 92 enclosed in a circle in Figure 91. Figure 93 is a cross-sectional view of the eleventh example taken along line 93-93 in Figure 91. Figure 94 is a cross-sectional view of the eleventh example taken along line 94-94 in Figure 91. The eleventh example uses an omega 242 coil, but in the rest it is similar in construction to the tenth example. An integrated lamp head 240 includes a housing 246 that spans a ceramic insert 244. A slot 244b separates the tips 242a and 242b from the omega coil 242. The overall dimensions of the lamp head 240 are approximately 31 mm wide x 47 mm long x 18 mm 'deep. From the center of the ceramic insert 244, the housing 246 is substantially semicircular with a radius of approximately 23.5 mm. The main body of the housing 246 is approximately 11 mm deep, with an optional protruding rim 246c of approximately 7 mm depth. The rim 246c is provided first for purposes of application interface. Chorno was discussed in the above with respect to the tenth example and as can best be seen in Figures 93 and 94, the housing 246 includes aluminum (Al) 246a and silicon aluminum carbide (AISiC) 246b and comprises an insert 244 of BN . The omega 242 coil is formed according to the following processes. The insert 244 BN is preformed with a shoulder 244a corresponding to the outer diameter and the lower extension of the omega coil 242. The BN insert 244i further includes an opening 244c centrally positioned along the flat face of the insert 244. of BN. During the manufacturing process, the aluminum fills the center of the insert 244 of BN and the opening 244c. Then, the center of the insert 244 BN is drilled having a drill bit having a diameter corresponding to the internal diameter of the omega coil 242. The insert 244 of BN is then drilled with a drill bit having a diameter of slightly larger The outer diameter of the omega coil 242 at a depth corresponding to the desired height of the omega coil 242. As best seen in Figure 93, the width of the machined slot 244b is less than the width of the opening 244c in so much that the height of the machined groove 244b is higher than the height of the opening 244c. Therefore, by machining the slot 244b in the die casting structure, the slot in the eyelet-shaped coil is formed and forms the connection from the tips 242a and 242b to the coil 242. Figure 92 illustrates a characteristic of The invention with reference to locking pin 250. The BN insert 244 is formed with a recess that is filled with aluminum and solidifies during the manufacturing process. The solidified aluminum in the recess forms a locking pin 250 which helps to prevent the tip 242a from separating from the insert 244 of BN. Preferably, the integrated lamp head 240 is used with a bulb type in a reflector cap and bulb fillings as described above with respect to the tenth example. Four . 1 . 8. 2 Preformed Coil Connection for Lamp Head In the eleventh example described above, after aluminum infiltration and subsequent cooling, the coil connection is achieved by grinding a slot 244b through the BN insert to make connections of the paddle type on each side of the eyelet-shaped coil and isolate the high voltage plate from the plate to earth This leaves a relatively thin section 256 of the BN insert (see Figure 92). According to the aspect of the present invention,] the BN insert is made to be relatively stronger in the area of the coil connection when preforming the connection of the coil in the BN insert to prevent subsequent grinding. For example, pin-to-coil connections can be used in place of pallet-type connections. Figure 95 is a pleasing fragmented view of the lamp head. Figure 96 is a view schematic of a BN insert with preformed coil connections. Figure 97 is a cross-sectional view of the BN insert taken along line 97-97 in Figure 96. Figure 98 is a schematic view of the BN insert showing the location of the perforated holes. previously used to form a bolt-type connection to J ^ Wr - "- ai-¿8> ^^ '' - ^^ - '? - f-il ?? tt-ñr? [' T? ^ The coil Figure 99 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 99-99 in Figure 98. As shown in Figures 95-99, four holes 258 are drilled in the BN insert prior to infiltration with the aluminum metal. complete emptying processes, the eye-shaped coil is separated by drilling a hole partially through the BN insert into an area 260 (see Figure 95) .Therefore, the relatively thin area is removed and the insert This approach also improves the possibility of fabrication since less machining is required after the emptying process is completed, as noted in section 4.1.2 regarding the coil examples. of bifurcation, using two bolts instead of an individual palette does not significantly affect the performance of a circuit, since most of the current it spreads outside the conductive elements. Figures 100 and 101 are fragmented, enlarged views of the lamp head showing alternative arrangements for the bolts. As shown in Figures 100 and 101, angled bolts can also be used for one or both connections. The use of the bolts at an angle allows the greatest separation between the high voltage plate and the various electrically connected surfaces Saa-jjWÉK-d-MJHBMjaMa * M? An.M «to ground the lamp head to further reduce the possibility of arcing between them. Also, although the illustrated examples use round pins, any suitable shape can be used, (for example, square, rectangular, elliptical). In addition, the BN insert can alternatively be preformed with paddle type connections, as shown in Figures 102-106. Because the subsequent step of grinding is avoided, the BN insert is still made relatively stronger compared to the example shown in Figures 89-94. Four . 1 . 8. 3. Al to Voltage Tuning Capability Figures 107 and 108 are schematic views of a lamp head / power feeder assembly. The lamp head 325 is mounted on a power feeder assembly 327 '. A capacitor assembly 329 is placed between a high voltage plate of the lamp head 325 and a power supply pad of the power supply assembly 327. Figure 109 is' a pleasing fragmented view of the area 109 in Figure 107, showing the relative penetration of the capacitor assembly 329 with respect to the lamp head 325 and? the 327 power feeder assembly. In sections 4.1.8.1 and 4.1.8.3. and in lias section 4.4.3 below further details are described mH "- ^ - *" t -: n '"W ¥ 8' with respect to the construction of the lamp head 325.1 the power supply assembly 327 and the lamp 321. Figures 110 and 111 are schematic views of opposite sides of the capacitor assembly 329. The 5 conductive pads 331 and 333 are disposed on opposite sides of a dielectric material 335. For example, the capacitor assembly 329 may comprise a printed circuit board having a dielectric material made of a material made of Teflon® and clay with plaqueado de copper for conductive pads. The thickness | of the dielectric material 335 and the size of the conductive pads 331, 333 are selected to provide a desired capacitance value. A present aspect of the invention is directed to different improvements for the capacitor assembly. The lamp 321 is an inductively coupled electrodeless lamp having RF power, which uses a capacitor stack as part of a series resonant circuit to couple the RF power to the lamp fill.

The capacitor is subjected to high voltages during lamp operation and is preferably designed to minimize arc formation. A problem with the capacitor assembly 329 shown in Figures 110 and 111 is that the value, of capacitance is fixed and can not be adjusted easily. In It is desirable to tune to the final lamp assembly to match a preferred operating frequency. An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an adjustable high voltage capacitor. An additional object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable high voltage capacitor that is designed to minimize arc formation. First Example of a Tunable High Voltage Capacitor Figures 112 and 113 are schematic views of 10 opposite sides of a first example of a capacitor assembly according to the invention. One side of the assembly is provided with a conductive pad 341 having a plurality of protruding ends 343. The capacitance value of the assembly can be easily adjusted by removing some of the conductive material from the ends 343. For example, a razor can be used for scrape the conductive material of the dielectric material. When the conductive material is removed, the capacitance value decreases. Second example of a tunable high voltage capacitor Figures 114 and 115 are schematic views] of opposite sides of the second example of the capacitor assembly according to the invention. One side of the assembly is provided with a conductive pad 351 having a plurality of protruding tips 353 and a ^^ Ms ^. ~ «- *« * i »» »fa * 8 * - > * ^ "- plurality of conductive areas 355 isolated in close proximity to the ends 353. Figure 116 is a fragmented, enlarged view of area 116 in Figure 115. The capacitance value of the assembly can be easily adjusted by adding the conductive material between limbs 35'3 and insulated areas 355. For example, a weld bridge can be formed through the small spaces between limbs 353 and insulated areas 355. Likewise, conductive material can be measured between isolated areas additional to adjust the capacitance value. When adding conductive material, the capacitance value increases. In comparison with the first example, the second example reduces the arc formation from the slices! of metal associated with the cutting technique. Third example of a tunable high voltage capacitor Figures 117 and 118 are schematic views of opposite sides of a third example of a capacitor assembly according to the invention. One side of the assembly is provided with a conductive pad 361 that defines a plurality of recesses 363 in the conductive pad 361. The recesses 363 extend through the conductive pad 361 to the surface of the dielectric material. The capacitance value of the assembly can be easily adjusted by adding the conductive material or dielectric material to cover gaps 363. For example, a plate can be welded conductive through one or more of the recesses 363. The conductive plate may be disk-shaped, for example. Alternatively, a conductive film or a dielectric material may be adhesively bonded over one or more of the voids 363. In comparison with the first example, the conductive pad 361 has slightly rounded corners at one end and a hemispherical shape at the end face. By maintaining a simple peripheral shape (for example, omitting the protruding conductive areas), the third example reduces the voltage stresses caused by the more complete peripheral shapes of the first and second examples. Advantageously, the third example suppresses the arc formation to a greater degree than either the first or second examples. Figures 119 and 120 are schematic views of opposite sides of an alternative configuration for a capacitor assembly of the third example. This preferred configuration includes a conductive pad 371 which is substantially rectangular with slightly rounded corners. The conductive pad 371 defines a plurality of recesses 373. Although the invention has been described with respect to specific examples, variations may occur to those skilled in the art. For example, the number of ^ jcaB &taaé-e-s extremities, isolated areas, and / or hollows can be increased or decreased depending on the desired amount of adjustment. Also, a conductive pad can include a combination of limbs, isolated areas and / or hollows.) The shape and size as well as the conductive pads, the limbs, the isolated areas, and / or the gaps, can be configured to suit the particular application. 4.1.9 Fillings as an Example Bulb fillings typically do not have mercury, and include metal halides and a noble gas. The metal halides include indium bromide (InBr), cesium bromide (CsBr), praseodymium tribromide (PrBr3), and praseodymium trichloride (PrCl3). Exemplary fillings for a spherical bulb with an internal diameter of 6 mm by external diameter! of 7 mm are as follows: Filler 1 Filler 2 Filler - 3 0.08 mg InBr 0.02 mg PrCl3 0.02 mg Se 0.02 mg CsBr 0.04 mg InBr 0.02 mg CsBr 50 Torr Kr 500 Torr Xe 50 Torr Kr Alternatively, a small amount of mercury may be added (or mercury halide) to the filling. For example, for a 7 mm O.D. x 6 'mm I.D., 0.1 to 0.5 mm of mercury iodide (Hgl) can be added. Four . 2 Light Bulb and Openings Structures 4.2.1 Blow Molded Light Bulb A present aspect of the invention relates to improvements in covers and methods for manufacturing covers containing fill for use in non-electrode lamps and has utility in light bulbs. type that is described in the present. The prior art method for making cover blanks is to gather a quartz waste casting on the end of a section of a quartz tube and manually change the internal pressure inside the pipe and apply fire to the outside of the pipe and the pipe. filling waste, shaping the end of the quartz tube and the waste filler to form a thin-walled sphere that has an internal volume that is in communication with the quartz tube. The shape of the thin-walled sphere produced by the prior art method can not easily be altered, and it is difficult to consistently inflate, repeatedly, a flexible quartz waste filler to form any desired shape (including a sphere) . Additionally, it is difficult to process the structures! of sphere and the resulting tube using automated manufacturing machinery to make lamps without electrodes or the like. A lamp opening bulb without electrodes ..... ag ^ faaa ^ s ^ is a light bulb enchaquetada or enclosed in a highly diffuse reflector material that has a small opening or slot through which light is emitted. The bulb can be properly characterized having a multiplicity of internal reflection paths. In order for the aperture bulb to operate efficiently, a photon must exit the bulb, once it is generated, either directly or after a number of internal reflections, possibly after a number of absorptions and recasts. Cooler regions in a sulfur, selenium, or sulfur-like filling material, in which plasma has been created, radiate radiate the absorbed radiant energy with a temperature characteristic of the temperature of the coldest region. Absorption and radiation in cooler regions reduce the efficiency of the lamp, since the eye is less sensitive to these wavelengths. In a lamp without electrodes that has a sulfur or similar filler! The effectiveness of the minor radiation is a function of the volumeri of the colder regions contained within a bombillja or cover. In the past, light bulbs or box-shaped covers have been used with lamps, high intensity discharge lamps that are operated inductively (without an opening in a reflector cap or the like). Examples in the prior art include U.S. Patent No. 4,783,615 (Dakm et al.), Patent No. ,367,226 (Ukegawa et al) and U.S. Patent No. 4,705,987 (Johnson). None of the prior art pill-shaped light bulbs have been used with a sulfur and selenium filler as part of a non-electrically operated lamp surrounded by a cap having an aperture, however. Certain numbers of problems have been encountered in the production of aperture lamps without electrodes, in particular, some of the conventional bulb shapes are not well suited for excitation using a conventional coiled RF coil that has been wound on a coil cylindrical anterior or similar. For spherical bulbs driven by cylindrical RF exciter coils having a coil height shorter than the diameter of the bulb, the spherical interior volume occupied by the filler material is not excited uniformly by the coil, since The upper and lower portions of the spherical bulb extend along the cylindrical axis of the coil and project beyond the height of the coil. Another problem in the mass production of aperture lamps with spherical covers is that there is no automated method that can be implemented to provide the optically reflective cap at the same time which allows to leave an aperture of uniform size. Also, there is no automated method that can be implemented to accurately position and fix a light guide member to the spherical surface of the prior art cover. Generally, ferrules having openings formed by inserting a core into a mud of reflective material must be sintered by defining the opening a core clamped in place. After the reflecto material is cured or sintered and assumes a solid consistency, the core is removed, leaving an opening having the same cross-sectional shape as the core. Problems to manipulate the kernel and remove the kernel include | the risk of destroying the lamp cover or the reflector material of the cap around the core. The cover must be handled before and after the molding process of the cap and it is difficult to position and manipulate the cover of the mold cavity before and after filling the mold with the reflector material. Consequently, various problems have been encountered in attempting to develop a method which can be implemented for the manufacture at high automated speed of a large number of lamps without electrodes per aperture. It is an object of the present invention to overcome one or more of the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art. Another object of the present invention is to provide a bulb or lamp cover without electrode . ** »* .-? .? ^ & ^ S ^^ ÍtS ^? B.i ^ adapted for use with cylindrical RF coils or similar. It is another object of the present invention to provide a cover having suitable surface characteristics to receive a defining member, a fixed light extraction tube opening. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing an aperture lamp without electrodes using automated high-speed equipment. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a box-shaped cover of pills to overcome the lower efficiency observed in the bulbs of the prior art by eliminating or greatly reducing | the volume of the coldest regions of the cover. The aforementioned objects are achieved individually and in combination, and it is not intended to be construed that the present invention requires two or more of the objects to be combined unless expressly required in the claims appended hereto. Surprisingly, it has been found that a sulfur plasma exhibits an extremely large light absorption at short light wavelengths. The great absorption of light was observed inside a multi-reflector bulb structure (ie an aperture bulb), and as As a consequence, less efficiency was observed. The lamp bulb without pill box shape electrodes of the present invention, however, has some colder regions inside the cover and it was observed that the filling re-irradiates the energy absorbed to | higher temperature, thereby resulting in a more efficient lamp. By eliminating or reducing the coldest portions of the plasma within the volume of the cover, it was observed that the sulfur aperture bulb exhibits greater efficiency. Examples of blow molded bulbs As illustrated in Figures 121-125, a bulb target 410 (see Figure 125) was made from a length of a quartz tube 412, preferably a section of fused quartz tube (FIG. for example, GE214) of approximately 150 mm in length of 3 by 5 mm. The quartz tube 412 has a 414 end burnished with a minimum aperture of 2.5 mm in diameter. In the first step of the method of the present invention, shown in Figure 121, a selected longitudinal section 416 is heated with flame and is caused to be transversely stretched and closed by means of surface tension and work, of the liquid quartz inside the flame. This results in a closed, or occluded, section 418, shown in Figure 122, of one and a half mm in length and one and a half mm in external diameter, preferably in a location that is approximately 15 mm from the end. bottom of the tube (since tube 412 is maintained in a vertical orientation). After the tube section 416 is closed by the occluded section 418 and allowed to cool, the upper tube section 419 (the section 418 occluded above) is heated until the plastic state is reached and, as shown in FIG. shown in Figure 123, a mold 422 having a cavity 424 with a selected substantially spherical internal shape including a flat section 426 is closed around the hot top tube section 419. In the particular example illustrated in Figures 123 and 124, the cavity portion, other than the planar section 426, is generally spherical. Gas pressure is applied through the open upper tube end 414 to exert pressure inside the tube. The pressure is increased to a point above atmospheric pressure to deform and expand the plastic quartz tube wall section 428 to approximately the midpoint of the upper tube section 419. Pressure is applied until the plastic quartz material has expanded, within the mold cavity 424, outwardly or transversely and has been brought into contact with, and has acquired the contour to coincide with, | the internal surface of the mold 430, as shown in FIG. 124. The mold 422 is removed immediately after the blank of the tube has assumed the shape of the internal cavity 424 of the mold. The blank of the tube is thereby molded to form a target of the bulb 410 having a flat interface area 433 and an aperture 432 of the upper bulb located just above the expanded portion of the target of the bulb. The upper aperture 432 is a constricted short tube section having an internal diameter of between one-half to one mm over a length of one mm. The bulb blank 410 is then cooled to a sufficiently low temperature to allow it to contact (in a subsequent filling procedure), with the sulfur or selenium and gas mixture filling materials (and other materials, as discussed in U.S. Patent 5,404,076, cited above). During! the filling process, the filling materials are injected to through the upper end 414 and through the opening 432 of the upper bulb, after which the upper opening 432 is closed using a torch flame, forming the tip of the bulb 434, as shown in FIG. While tip 434 of the bulb is being formed, the bottom stop 436 of 15 mm length of the tube is used to support and place the bulb. After filling, the bulb supported by the lower stop 436 is transported to a machine formed of automated reflector bushing. A member 440 that defines an opening of aperture forming tool having a contour The outside of the aperture is then glued to the flat window formed on the interface area 433 of the bulb using a heat fused polymer or bonding agent, as shown in FIG. 127. Once the member 440 5 defining aperture it is ensured, the lower stop 436 is grooved in the occluded section 418 and removed. The flute is made with a sharp knife and the stop 436 is then separated by jumping, resulting in the shape of the bulb in Figure 128. The tool 440 is then used to manipulate the bulb through the forming operations of the lamp. Reflector cap and subsequent seals. During, the sintering or high temperature cure of the reflector bushing (not shown), the polymer melted with heat) is pyrolyzed and the bulb is released from the member or tool 440 that define an opening. i Returning now to Figure 129, an alternative example of the bulb blank 442 is illustrated as it appears after being removed from a mold (not shown) J The bulb blank 442 has a segment 444 of bulb in box shape of pills with an area or flat 446 of circular flat interface facing downwards with a diameter of four and a half mm. The bulb target 442 also includes an upper bulb aperture 447 (having an internal diameter of between one-half to one mm and one length of one mm) produced just above the ? tt shoulders 448 of the newly formed bulb 444. The height of the four-mm bulb is measured from the outside of plane 446 to the bottom of upper aperture 447, and the external width of the bulb (i.e. the extension transverse to the axis of the tube) is seven mm. ' The thickness of the wall of the bulb 444 is half a mm (with a tolerance of plus or minus one tenth of mm), and so the height of the internal bulb is three and a half mm. As in the above, the target of the bulb 442 is fabricated from a length of the quartz tube, preferably, in a section of fused quartz (e.g., GE214) of 3 by 5 'mm, of approximately 150 mm. length and having a 448 top end burnished with a minimum opening of 2.51 mm in diameter. According to another aspect of the present invention, the re-entrant bulb shapes of pill boxes illustrated in Figures 130, 131 and 132 are provided to overcome the lower efficiency that is caused by having a significant volume of regions of cooler gas. The bulb 450 of box form of pills of ^ la Figure 130 is about eight mm in external diameter or width (i.e., in the longest horizontal dimension) and six mm in height (i.e., in the shortest vertical dimension), and has a cover 452 with a thickness 454 of wall from half to one mm. The cover 452 comprises an interior volume 10Í 456 which includes a filler having approximately 0.05 mg of selenium, 500 Torr of xenon gas (at room temperature) and a small amount of cesium bromide (typically less than 1 mg), provided as a plasma-forming medium. Bulb 450 is inductively coupled to a surrounding RF coil for excitation of a toroidal plasma 458 'in the fill. The shape of the toroidal plasma 458 is that of about a ring or toroid having a central hole 460 and those regions within the interior volume 456 occupied by the plasma are relatively "hotter" while those parts that are outside the toroid 458 plasma are relatively "colder". The box-shaped light bulb of pills 450 has a near contour to match the plasma toroid 458 and exhibits improved brightness, it is believed that this is due to a cover shape that has less colder regions within the bulb and as a result, greater brightness and light output (ie, efficiency) are observed. The bulb shaped box 450! of pills, they eliminate the colder interior volume regions and the filling radiates absorbed energy at a higher temperature, resulting in a more efficient lamp. By eliminating or reducing the colder portions of the plasma within the volume of the cover, it was observed that the sulfur aperture bulb exhibits greater efficiency. The bulb 450 in the form of a box of pills, is substantially circular in cross section and configured as a short cylinder having a diameter that is greater than the height of the cylinder and is thus sized to approximate the toroidal plasma 458 in the filling of the bulb. Bulb 450 in the form of a pill box includes a guide 474 of solid quartz light projecting outward, fixed in the center of a substantially circular transparent top wall. In an alternative example illustrated in Figure 131, an alternative example of the box-shaped bulb 464 of pills has an indentation 466 that faces downwardly concave reentrant sparingly aligned with the central hole 460 of the toroidal plasma 458. The bulb 454 also it includes a guide 474 of solid quartz light projecting outwards, fixed at the center of a circular substantially transparent top wall. Yet another example illustrated in Figure 132, a box-shaped bulb of pills includes an aperture 470 between relatively high walls in a reflector cap 472, as an alternative to a solid quartz light guide 474, as in the examples of Figures 131 and 132. 4.2.2 Opening Structures Lamps without electrodes of the type to which those of the present invention refer, are composed of a light transmitting bulb having a cover containing a medium in the form of plasma. The bulb may be partially or completely covered or jacketed with a reflective material, and may optionally include a light guide member projecting outwardly. A microwave or radio frequency (RF) energy source has its output energy coupled to the cover through a coupling arrangement to excite a plasma, resulting in a light discharge. The cover is embedded or surrounded by a cap of reflective material on almost all the surface of the roof, except for a small area through which the light is allowed to pass. Certain numbers of problems have been found to produce opening lamps without electrodes, in particular, the bushings having openings formed by the insertion of a core into a mud of reflective material have to be sintered with the core in place. After the reflective material sinters and assumes a solid consistency, the core is removed, leaving an opening that has the same cross-sectional shape that the core. Problems in manipulating the core and removing it include the risk of destroying the opening, the lamp envelope, or the surface of the cap of the reflective material. Another problem is that it is difficult to accurately place the cover or bulb inside the used cavity for molding the cap of the reflector material from mud. Finally, with the molds and methods of the prior art, a different mold must be made for each cross-sectional shape of the desired opening (and core), since the core must fit tightly into the mold to prevent the sludge from Reflective material, flow or exit around the core. Another object of the present invention is to overcome one or more of the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art. Another object of the present invention is to allow the use of an aperture having any desired cross-sectional configuration in an electrodeless lamp made in a mold receiving a cover and a slurry of flowable reflective material. Yet another object of the present invention is to suitably place the cover within the mold cavity to allow proper filling of the mold with the slurry idel reflective flowable material. The aforementioned objects are achieved individually and in combination, and it is not intended to be construed that the present invention requires that two or more of the objects be combined unless expressly required in the appended claims. Examples of opening structures According to a first example of the present invention, illustrated in Figures 133 and 134, a lamp 510 without electrodes includes a mold insert 512 or member defining an elongated opening. The member 512 defining an aperture includes a hole 514 defining a light passage or opening defined longitudinally therethrough. The member 512 defining an opening is made of the ceramic material and other material having high reflection of light and sufficient mechanical strength to withstand! the manipulation of automated assembly machinery. He The member material defining the opening is capable of withstanding a wide range of temperatures, for example, an ambient temperature in winter at one end and a high operating temperature of several hundred degrees centigrade at the other end. The member 512 that defines the The aperture is glued or cemented to a light transmitting cover 516 having an outer surface 518 that includes a flat or substantially planar interface area 520. The cement of preference is an organic material selected to decompose at the temperature used in a subsequent sintering step. The cover 516 can be configured as a ball or as a box of pills, and encompass an inner volume 517 that includes a filler material that sulfur, selenium or another substance or light producing compound when subjected to energy radio frequency (RF) or microwave.

As shown in Figure 133, the cover 516 is disposed within a mold 522 of reflective, two-part, separable material, having a first mold segment 524 removably disposed thereon. a second • segment 526 of mold to define an internal cavity of the mold | 528 having an internal surface 529 thereof. The mold segments 524, 526 are preferably made of carbon. As shown in Figures 133 and 135, the first mold segment 524 includes an opening 530 of a mold that provides access from the interior cavity 528 of the mold to a surface 532 of the lower external mold. The mold 512 defining the opening is disposed within an opening 530 of the mold and includes a flange 534 extending radially in substantial planar shape which projects transversely from the central axis of the hole. Turning now to the bottom view of Figure 135, it is illustrated that the opening 530 of the mold and the opening 514 of the member defining the opening are aligned coaxially, thus allowing light to pass through the interface area of the transparent cover to the outside of the mold. In Figure 135, the hole 514 is illustrated as being circular in cross section, however, any aperture cross section may be used, such as, for example, the star-shaped aperture cross section of the alternative example of Figure 136. The Star-shaped opening 544 is an example of many forms of whimsical or arbitrary openings that can be defined in a member defining an opening, thus allowing an individual mold to accommodate many opening shapes. As shown in Figure 137, the member 512 defining the opening includes a tubular body 536 having a central axis and a distal end 538 opposite the proximal transverse flange 534. The hole 514 is a passage The light transmitter extends through the member 512 defining the opening from the proximal end of the tubular body 536 to the distal end 538. In the example of Figure 137, the transverse flange 534 includes a device! of index such as a corner 540 fastened. In the example Alternatively, illustrated in Figure 138, the tab passing through the member defining the opening is circular and does not include the Index device. In the method of the present invention, the mold 522 of the reflective material is divided into two (or more) parts, giving access to the cavity 528 of the mold defined therein. A member 512 is positioned defining the opening inside and i projects outwardly from the internal cavity 528 of the mold through the opening 530 of the body of the mold. The member 512 defining the opening includes a flange 534 that is extends radially close, which projects in a plane .. ^ ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡! The cover 16 lies on the flange 534 having a flange thickness 548 (see for example Figure 137) selected to maintain a desired separation between the outer surface 518 of the cover and the inner surface 529 of the mold cavity. The mold 522 is closed and injected or emptied into a flowable slurry of reflective material through a mold injection opening 550, filling the space in the cavity 528 of the mold from the wrapped external surface 518 and the surface 529 of the internal cavity of the mold. The reflective mud material 554 is then dried, I sintered or burned to provide a hardened or rigid reflective cap 556, as shown in Figure 134. The cement material used to glue the member 512 defining the aperture a the outer surface 518 of the cover decomposes, thereby allowing significant differences in coefficients of thermal expansion between the cover 516 and the member 512 defining the opening. As noted above, the outer perimeter of the member defining the aperture may include a key feature that is projected (eg, a clamped corner), thus indexing (or controlling the orientation of) the member defining the aperture in | the opening of the body of the mold having a complementary receiving feature (eg, a receiving receptacle having a clamped corner). The hole 514 in the member 512 defining the opening can have any desired cross-sectional shape, while i the external perimeter of the body of the member defining the opening has a standardized shape (eg, the tubular body 536), allowing whereby a common mold member is used to mold aperture lamps having many different cross-sectional shapes of the aperture defining the aperture of the member that is indexed at a selected location or orientation, regardless of the shape of the aperture. Turning now to Figures 139 and 141, the indexed form of an alternative example of the member 560 defining the opening includes a tapered flange structure I having an outer flange segment 562 proximal with a clamped Index Index device 564 and a intermediate taper segment 566 of reduced cross section and a radially aligned corner index device 568. As shown in Figure 141, a mold 570 for receiving the member 560 defining the opening includes a tapered receiving receptacle 572 adopted to receive the intermediate tapered flange segment 566 in only one rotation orientation, due to an index device. retained corner of the receptacle i corresponding in extension to the index devices 568 of clamped corner of the intermediate tapered flange segment 566. The index device 568 can also be used in later stages of assembly, for alignment, placement or the like, by making lamp additives without an electrode. The reflector cap 576 of the example of FIG. 141 extends over and covers the portion of the outer flange segment 562i projecting radially beyond the intermediate flange segment 566 and thus providing a layer thin annular cap material providing additional retaining structure to hold the member '560 defining the opening of the bulb. Figure 140 illustrates another alternative example that includes a member 580 that defines the opening located within the mold cavity and that has a flange 582 that projects radially transversely. The reflector sleeve 584 extends and covers the radially projecting flange 582 and thus provides a thin annular layer of the cask material providing additional retaining structure for fixing the member 580 that defines the opening to the bulb. As illustrated in Figure 142, the outer portion 586 of the member 512 defining the opening is used as a support for an optical element such as a coated optical reflector 588 to direct light produced in the lamp. 510 without electrodes.

? "Iit i¡-ii í_ ÍIji m ~ ** ~» Jl ~ rr The mold 522 of the present invention does not need to be removed and can be incorporated into a lamp inside an external housing, if desired. As shown in Figure 143, the mold 522 can be an integral part of an RF energy coupler circuit or a thermal sink for the RF excitation coil 500 used to provide RF excitation power to the 510 lamp without electrodes Therefore, the mold 522 need not be solely a reusable tool for determining the external shape of the reflector cap component molded onto the cover. The member 512 defining the opening defines an opening of any desired cross-sectional shape, by placing the cover 516 within the reflector cap, providing an index or reference of the opening and eliminating manufacturing requirements for the precise tools for the shape of the bulb and the shape of the cap. The mold of the reflective material does not need to be a two-part mold. For example, as shown in Figure 144, a mold 590 of material can be used one piece reflector. The mold 590 of reflective material includes a mold opening 591 (similar to the mold opening 530 shown in Figure 133) giving access from the internal cavity 592 of the mold to the surface 593 of the lower external mold. A member 512 is described which defines the opening within the opening 591 of the mold, as Wfflilili? ífttlili iiii ilir '-described previously. The mold 590 of reflective material includes a mold opening 594 in the upper outer mold surface 595. The mold opening 594 is large enough to allow the light transmitting cover 516 to pass through it and into the cavity 592 inside the mold. For example, as shown in Figure 144, the interior cavity 592 of the mold can be configured such that the mold opening 594 is approximately equal in width to the widest portion of the cavity 592 inside the mold, the surface 596 being of the internal cavity of the mold substantially cylindrical towards the upper part of the interior cavity 592 of the mold. Once the light transmitting cover 516 is placed in the cavity 592 inside the mold, a flowable slurry of reflective material 554 is emptied into the mold opening 594, filling the space in the mold cavity 592 between the outer surface 518 of the cover and the surface 596 of the interior cavity of the mold. ' The opening 594 of the wide mold in the upper part of the mold 590 of the reflective material eliminates the need for separate parts of the mold. In general, the interface area of the cover can have any shape that allows sufficient attachment to the light transmitting cover, and does not need to be smooth or flat. For example, as shown in Figures 145 and 146, the cover 501 may have a ball-shaped outer surface (e.g., substantially spherical or ellipsoidal) with a rounded cover interface area 502. The cover 501 may be attached to a member defining the opening that has either a conforming or nonconforming shape. For example, as shown in the cross section in Figure 145, a member 503 defining the non-conforming opening has a flange 504 with a flat upper surface 505. The member 503 defining the opening contacts the interface area 502¡ of the rounded cover of the cover 501 in a rim 506 formed at the junction of the flat upper surface 505 and the hole 507 of the member defining the opening. Therefore, the flat upper surface 505 does not conform to the round shape of the interface area 502 of the cover, and the cover 501 sticks to the member 503 defining the opening along a narrow annual band in the back 506. According to an alternative example shown] in Figure 146, a member 508 defining the opening conforms to the shape of the cover interface area 502. Specifically, the upper surface 509 of the tab 511 is cup-shaped, having a curvature corresponding to that of the interface area 502 of the rounded cover. The member 508 defining an opening is shown i in perspective in Figure 147. The shape that makes up the - ^^^ A ^^^^ member 508 that defines an opening provides an area! of larger surface on which the rounded cover interface area 502 of the cover 501 can be glued! to member 508 defining an opening. During use, a lamp without electrodes (e.g., lamp 510, as shown in Figures 134, 142 and 143) is electrically coupled to a microwave or RF source and receives energy, thereby creating a light-emitting plasma in the content filling material; in the inside 517 of the cover. The light created therewith1 is reflected internally from the bushing 556 and passes out through the opening of the hole 514. The method for making the lamp 510 without electrodes includes the steps of providing a cover 516 with a external surface 518 and an interior volume 517 that includes a filling material; providing a mold 522 having an outer surface 532, an internal cavity 528, a first segment 524 and a second segment 526, wherein the first mold segment 524 has a mold opening 530 providing access from the internal cavity 528 of the mold to the external surface 532 of the mold; inserting an insert member 512 defining an opening in the opening 530 'of the mold wherein the insert member 512 defining an opening includes an insert hole 514 which, when inserts the insert member 512 into the mold, provides a passage or opening for light that is reflected internally from the internal cavity of the mold to the external surface of the mold; placing the sheath 516 in the internal cavity of the mold and close to the insert member 512 defining an opening on the flange 534; and filling the internal cavity 528 of the mold with a flowable reflective material 554; and then curing the flowable reflective material 554 to give rise to a solid reflective cap 556 that encloses or surrounds but does not uniformly adhere to the sheath 516, that covers it uniformly. Optionally, one can proceed by removing the cover 516, defining the opening of the member 512 and the cap 556 of cured reflective material affixed thereto, of the mold 522. Alternatively, instead of the above or in addition to the above, the After the cover, continue to attach an external reflector 588 (or some other optical attachment) to an outer portion 86 of the member 512 defining an opening. The step of inserting an insert member defining an opening in the mold opening includes indexing or orienting the insert member that defines an opening aligning the index device 540 of the insert member 512 with a corresponding index device of the mold opening which, when the insert member 512 is inserted into the selected orientation moon mold, adjusts the device 540 of index of the insert member 512; and includes inserting member '512 which defines an opening indexed to the opening 530 of the mold. The step of placing the cover in the interior cavity of the mold and close to the insert member defining an opening includes placing the substantially flat portion 520 of the cover 516 on the support flange 534 of the insert member 512 extending into the cavity. 528 internal to the mold, thereby supporting the cover and providing a separation between the outer surface 518 of the cover and the inner surface 529 of the mold cavity. The stage of Filling the inner cavity 528 of the mold with a flowable reflective material 554 includes emptying a slurry of reflective material into the internal cavity of the mold. The lamp opening bulb 510 without resultant electrode therefore includes a cover 516 transmitting light having an external surface 518 that includes a first sub-area and a second sub-area wherein the cover comprises an internal volume 517 including a filling material. Bulb 510 also includes a member 512 defining an opening fixed to the first sub-area (i.e., interface area 520) of the outer surface of the cover. The member 512 defining an opening has a distal surface 538 and a hole 514 through a tubular body 536; the hole 514 provides a lumen or light transmitting passage from the cover 516¡ to the End 538 distant from the member defining an opening. The bulb 510 also includes a bushing 556 that reflects light that covers the second sub-area (eg, the remaining area) of the outer surface of the cover. The bushing 556 preferably has a thickness equal to or greater than millimeter and is a sintered solid. The member defining a preferred opening is a ceramic material, a material having equivalent light, thermal and structural reflection properties. As noted in the above, the '510 lamp aperture bulb without electrodes, can include a permanently fixed integral mold having an internal cavity, an external surface and a mold opening 530 providing access from the interior cavity of the mold. to the outside of the mold, wherein the cover is disposed within the interior cavity of the mold, providing a one-piece assembly as shown in Figure 142. Alternatively, the integral mold of the one-piece assembly includes excitation coils 100. of RF arranged near the interior cavity 528 of the mold, as shown in Figure 143. As for the present invention it is subject to various modifications and changes in details, and! the above description of a preferred example is intended to be by way of example only and not limiting. It is believed that those skilled in the art will suggest other modifications, variants and changes in light of the teachings set forth herein. Therefore, it is to be understood that all such variants, modifications and changes fall within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Figure 148 is a schematic view of a preferred bulb target for use in the lamp of the present invention. Figure 149 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred bulb target taken along line 149-149 in Figure 148. The bulb is rotationally symmetric about the longitudinal axis. The bulb has a cup shape with a substantially flat face. A suitable filler material was deposited in the bulb through the opening in the rod. An inert starting gas (for example, xenon, argon, krypton) is applied at an appropriate pressure. The rod is then heated in the perforated portion to seal the bulb enclosing the filling material and the starting gas. Figure 150 is a schematic view with its parts detached from a detached opening cup, according to the invention. Figure 151 is a schematic view of the opening cup showing the details of the opening. Figure 152 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 152-152 in Figure 151. As shown in Figures 150-152, the bulb is inserted into a reflective ceramic cup and placed approximately symmetrically. with respect to the opening. The cup is then filled with a reflecting material that hardens to pigeonhole the bulb and secure the bulb in its position. Other details of the forming processes of the opening and the bulb are described in the foregoing, later also in section 4.2.4, and in the publication. of PCT WO 97/45858. Preferably, the reflective cup and the reflective material are highly (relatively) thermal / low dielectric conductive materials to aid the thermal control of the lamp. According to another aspect of the present invention, the shape of the opening is configured to utilize the optical efficiency. For example, if a round opening is used when it is coupled to the circular end of an optical fiber. A rectangular optics of up to 3 to 4 or 9 to 16 ratio is used when coupled to a Liquid Crystal Panta.lla motor. Even more complex shapes are used when generating the beam for an automotive headlamp. For virtually any application, a configured opening can be designed in optimal form. Lamps with two or more openings are also possible.] Figure 153 shows several examples in which a bulb with a flat face is pigeon-shaped in a reflective layer with a variety of aperture shapes. 4.2.3. Exemplary Procedures for Filling the Opening Plate The preferred aperture bulb according to the invention is shown in Figure 152. A desired form of aperture is preformed into a base of a ceramic cup. A quartz bulb having a droplet shape is placed in an approximately symmetrical position with respect to the aperture and with a flat face of the bulb resting on the aperture. The volume of the cup not occupied by the bulb is filled with a reflective ceramic material. Below, the procedures are described as an example to build the illustrated bulb. Four . 2. 3. 1 Manual suspension molding A slurry or slurry comprising 60% of Nichia (part No. 999-42 of Nichia America Co.) And 40% of Nichia is prepared. methanol. The suspension must be flowable so that it can be removed with a 5-10cc syringe. The cup is placed in methanol and allowed to moisten to fill the pores in the cup before the suspension molding. A small amount (approximately 1c) of suspension is placed in the cup near the opening. The bulb slides into the opening, displacing some of the suspension through the opening and around the bulb. The cup is then filled approximately in half with suspension and tapped delicately on a flat surface to compact the material (for example, removing air bubbles or umáÉtimi áa, '- 12Í holes). After several minutes of air drying, the material is further compacted with a small pallet or the like. The additional suspension is applied in several quantities that increase until the top is filled, hitting, drying and compacting each application as just described. The suspension is removed after the opening area and the assembly is oven-dried at approximately 100 ° C for 10 minutes and then baked at approximately 900 ° C for 30 minutes. Four . 2. 3. 2 Vacuum in Solid A sludge is prepared comprising approximately 70% Nichia, 27% DI water, and 3% Darvan 821-A. The mud is rolled up for several hours to completely disperse the Nichia. The bulb sticks to the cup from the outside in the area of the opening and a latex tube is placed over the opening end of the cup so that the cup can overfill to about 6 mm. The cup is placed in DI water for approximately 10-20 seconds to saturate the pores with water. The cup is removed and excess water is removed from the interior of the cup with compressed air or nitrogen. The mud is drawn into a syringe and slowly added to the cup, taking care to avoid air bubbles. A rubber cap is placed on the latex tube and the slurry is air dried for 2-3 hours. The rubber cap and the latex tube are then removed as well as the excess material from the end of the cup with a knife or a razor. The cup is heated at a rate of 10 ° C / minute to about 900 ° C and then left at 90 ° C for approximately 30 to 60 minutes. Four . 2. 3. 3 Use of Centrifugation for Comparing the Cup Preferably, the resulting reflective ceramic material is dense and without air pockets. In the procedures described above, there is an interchange of characteristics of good fluid and resulting density. Likewise, it takes time and it is difficult to prevent the formation of air pockets using the above procedures. According to the present aspect of the invention, the cup is compacted with sludge using centrifugal forces. For example, using a centrifugal bag to compact the cup with the mud facilitates the application of significant forces on the mud which causes the mud to flow in small spaces and the air pockets to go out. The extended time in the centrifuge can Separate liquid messes from solids thus changing the solid content of the emptying. The controlled configurations can be used to build ceramic parts with gradient or variable density. According to the present invention, the centrifugal processes increase the density of the reflective ceramic material with a lower requirement of good flow characteristics.

The following is a centrifugal procedure by way of example. A slurry comprising approximately 5% Nichia and 95% water or methyl alcohol is prepared. The mud is heated for at least 1 hour before forming the suspension molding. The bulb is centered around the opening and sticks from | the outside of the cup. A centrifugal abutment is configured to hold the cup so that the opening end of the cup is radially outward during turns. The ceramic cup is relatively porous and absorbs water / methyl alcohol through the face of the opening cup under sufficient centrifugal force. The attachment can be configured to hold a quantity of mud of excess cup volume so that it is reduced, the number of stages of the procedure. The attachment and / or the cups are then filled with the mud and rotated at approximately 3900 revolutions per minute | at about 5 minutes or until no additional water / alcohol is seen coming out of the attachment. The filling and the turns are repeated until the cup is filled. The cups are removed after the attachment, dried in the oven at about 80-90 ° C for 30 minutes, and baked at about 900 ° C for 30 minutes. An alternative procedure is to use 'a first mix of 5% Nichia / 95% water and a second 50% Nichia / 50% water mixture. The 5/95 mixture is used at least until the bulb is substantially covered with the compacted ceramic material.

Then the 50/50 mixture is used to accelerate the process. 4.2.4 Performance Data by way of Example Exemplary performance parameters of the lamp of the present invention are presented below: Power Aperture Brightness 2D CCT CRI DC Lumens Case # 1 120 W 9 miY 53 cd / mm 1500 6800 ° K > 90 Case # 2 120 W mm 45 cd / 2500 7500 ° K > 90 Table 5 where in each case the filling of the bulb is about 1.8 mg / cc of InBr and the bulb is a bulb in the shape of a wine glass with dimensions of approximately 7 mm in external diameter and internal diameter of 6 mm ( the inner volume of the bulb, approximately 0.1 ce). An advantage provided by the aperture structures and the lamp of the present invention is an angular light distribution close to Lambertian. Figure 154 is a graph of measured angular distribution of I light Ü &gjg ^ from the lamp of the present invention compared to a Lambertian light distribution. The close cosine distribution of light allows the efficient generation of highly collimated light arrows. Both the image forming and non-image forming optical elements can be made to match the aperture to achieve the desired beam angle. The topology of the opening lamp presents other important advantages. By adjusting the size of the With respect to the size of the bulb, the lamp of the present invention can exchange the efficiency of the lumen for brightness of the source. A smaller aperture port will give a lower lumen efficiency, but greater font brightness. Conversely, a larger opening increases the luminous flux, but reduces the brightness of the source. For example, an efficient light source that is excellent for general lighting is achieved by opening I the aperture to coincide or almost coincide with the diameter1 of the bulb. In such a configuration, the lamp of the present The invention readily adapts to up-light or down-light fixtures to provide effective lighting for offices, schools, factories, warehouses, homes, and virtually anywhere that is required or benefit from artificial lighting. 25 The shape of the bulb itself can be varied to optimize the coupling to the RF field and the optical aperture. For example, a bulb configured as the top of a wine glass with a flat face on the top works very well for a lamp with a single opening. A light bulb configured as a hockey stick can be chosen for better optical coupling when two openings arranged in the opposite manner are desired. The size of the bulb can also be varied. In general, the size of the bulb is a function of the power level and the brightness of the source required. In general, larger bulbs are required for higher power levels. At a given power level, a small bulb with a smaller aperture will produce a brighter source. Light bulbs can be constructed from a variety of materials, glass, quartz, alumina, etc. The cover, of the bulb does not need to be transparent, only translucent. Any material that is translucent, that can withstand the necessary operating temperatures, is chemically inert to the chosen filler and does not interfere excessively with RF waves can be used. Traditional light sources emit light in three dimensions. A reflector is typically used to redirect and focus light on the desired object or plane. For | lighting large areas these true and proven techniques work well. However, when 'a narrowly narrowed beam of light is required', conventional light sources are quite inefficient. In addition, many conventional lamps only provide a localized bright spot, emanating most of the source lumens from a significantly less bright portion different from the discharge. In contrast to conventional light sources, the light emitted from the aperture lamp of the present invention is directed only in two dimensions. In other words, the brightness is uniform with little deviation between peak and average brightness across a two-dimensional area. Figure 155 is a graph of an intensity map as an example of the lamp of the present invention for a near field distribution. Figure 156 is a three-dimensional graph of an exemplary near field distribution of the lamp of the present invention. A low sweep is necessary, but not a sufficient characteristic for the coupling of efficient light in small optical systems such as diagonal small liquid crystal displays or optical fibers. The other characteristic necessary to minimize the coupling is the coincidence of the obliquity distribution between the source and the object. Unless the obliquity distributions of the source and the object coincide well, it is difficult to maintain both the low sweep and high collection efficiency. In general, three-dimensional light sources do not provide a good coincidence of oblique distribution with flat objects such as liquid crystal displays or optical fibers. For example, it is well known in the art that the transfer of light from a spherical source with axially symmetric optics causes a loss of sweep or collection efficiency or both. Advantageously, the lamp of the present invention provides both low sweeping and excellent obliquity matching for flat objects. The two-dimensional source of light provided by the lamp of the present invention maximizes collection efficiency for optical systems in which it is also necessary to maintain a low sweep. The above advantages with respect to low sweep, oblique coincidence and angular distribution can be effectively used in reflective, refractory, imaging and non-image forming optics to create bright and efficient optical systems. For example, the angular distribution of the lamp of the present invention is well suited for all types of collection optics such as composite reflector or refractory parabolic concentrators (CPS) and light tubes, as well as for a variety of solutions optical image formers. Although the lamp of the present invention utilizes an inductive RF coupling structure, the benefits of aperture lamp technology are widely applied when used with other coupling structures. 4.2.5. Spectral Distribution The aperture bulb technology described herein, coupled with the selected bulb fillings, delivers full spectral light at high CRI and color temperatures which are excellent for many applications. Color temperatures and spectral balance can be adjusted by choosing the dose and filling chemistry of the bulb. The lamp of the present invention also uses fillers and / or filters to produce light from specific color bands. A wide range of filler materials for bulbs from conventional mercury and metal halides to sulfur and selenium can be used in the lamp of the present invention. Figure 157 is a graph of spectral power distribution for a bromide-only fill! of Indian as described in the above. Figure 158 is a graph of a spectral power distribution for a fill that includes indium bromide and cesium bromide (0.8 mg / cc InBr, 0.2 mg / cc CsBr, 50 Torr Kr). Unlike most other discharge lamps, the light output of the lamp of the present invention can be easily nuanced. FIG. 159 is a graph of spectral power distribution for a padding of only indium bromide at varying levels of RF power. 4.2.6 Ball Lenses As noted in the above, the angular distribution from the lamp of the present invention can be configured to be close to the Lambertian distribution.

In other words, the light leaves the opening distributed over a 180 degree angle or over a cone with a 90 degree half angle. In certain applications, it is desirable to focus as much light as possible on another surface while providing a maximum concentration.

With the conventional light source, and in general, it is difficult to capture light distributed over 180 degrees. However, as shown in Figure 12, a ball lens may be used in conjunction with the lamp of the present invention to capture substantially all of the light exiting the opening. A ball lens can take the form of a truncated sphere or ellipse. In this case, the light enters a first surface (the flat side) of the ball lens that is placed in contact or almost in contact with the aperture and exits to a second surface (the spherical side) of the ball lens. The light coming out of the opening enters the ball lens, passes '^ G ^ gj ^ g from a region of low refractive index (air) moon region of high index of refraction (ball lens) light is refracted thereby also so distributed on] angle cone much lower than 180 degrees. Even when it passes from the air to an optical material with a relatively low refractive index such as molten silica, the cone angle is less than 90 degrees. The ball lens has a second convex surface from which the light comes out without returning to an angular distribution of 180 degrees. With the right choice of thickness and center radius, the second surface can reduce the angle! of cone significantly below 90 degrees. After exiting the ball lens with a reduced distribution angle, the conventional lens design can manipulate the light. Significantly substantially all the light coming out of the opening is used by the optical system. Alternatively, the ball lens may take the form of a full sphere or ellipse or other solid arched shape. The total utilization of available light can be achieved using a fully spherical ball lens. Likewise, the first surface of the ball lens may be non-spherical. Even with a second spherical surface] the ball lens can be designed to be an aplanatic lens.

For a ball lens without a truncated surface, a round aperture shape is preferred. 4.2.7 ceramic quartz lamp Electrodeless lamps of the type to which the present invention relates 5 are composed of moon light transmitting bulb having a cover Ique forming medium contains a plasma. The radio frequency (RF) energy source or microwave has an output power coupled to the cover through an arrangement! from coupling that excites a plasma, resulting in a discharge of light. The cover is embedded in, or surrounded by, a cap of reflective material over almost the entire surface of the roof, except that a small area known as an opening, through which it is allowed let the light pass. In section 4.2.2 above, a method for manufacturing an aperture lamp without electrodes having certain advantages over the prior art is discussed. In 'the opening structures of section 4.2.2, it is provided a mold cavity, a member forming an opening is inserted in that a lamp cover enl the same near the forming member of the opening is placed and the inside of the mold cavity with a flowable reflective material is filled after of hardening form a cap around the lamp cover. rtamw? l¡tort? - iitmt A present aspect of the invention is directed to | a method for manufacturing an aperture lamp without electrification having other advantages over the prior art. It is important for certain production methods of electrodeless lamps that are easily achieved for mass production so that large quantities of production can be easily filled. It is also important that the resulting lamp be durable so as to increase its longevity. Lamps without electrodes of which, the invention is defined to operate at high temperature and become very hot, especially during operation for extended periods. Therefore it is important to remove the heat from the bulb, which is made of quartz, how it would melt. To achieve this, the heat was transmitted from the bulb to a thermal sink where the heat is dissipated, and it is desirable that the heat transmission from the bulb to the thermal sink be high. Therefore, it is an object of one aspect of the present invention to provide a method for making an electrodeless opening lamp that easily implements and can be mass produced economically. A further object of an aspect of the invention is to provide an aperture lamp without electrodes that is durable. Still another object of the invention is to provide a , »^ 3» .i? J ** ít opening lamp without electrodes having a characteristic high heat transmission moon. It should be understood that the above objects are achieved individually and in combination with each other, so that it should not be interpreted that two or more of the objects are required to be combined. First Example of a Ceramic Quartz Opening Structure A lamp bulb according to a first example of the present invention is illustrated in Figure I60. A lamp cover 602 is shown which is typically made of quartz and filled with a discharge forming medium that emits light when excited. By way of non-limiting example, a possible filler is a base substance | of sulfur or selenium, as described in US Patent No. 5,404,076, mentioned above. As well,! the cover can be made by the method discussed in section 4.2.1. previous. The cover is placed in a container 610 having a closed end 611, and a side wall 609 which opens to a mouth 613. The side wall has an inner surface 615 and an outer surface 617, and at least the portion of the inner surface 615 which abuts, the cover of the lamp is arranged to be reflective. In the preferred example, container 610 is made of reflective, ceramic material and has a cup shape. Between the lamp cover 602 and the container end 611 there is a reflective filler material 612 which, as shown, fills the region between the end of the container and the lamp cover. In the preferred example, this material is a reflective ceramic material having a lower density than the ceramic material of which the container 610 is made. For example, the filling material 612 may be a hardened powder or mud. A surface 604 of the bulb, facing! the mouth 613 of the container has a washer 606, of which at least the inner surface is reflective, secured thereto, for example, with a ring 608 of gluing material. The washer comprises an aperture forming member that forms an opening 607, and in the preferred example is made of reflective ceramic material. The surface 604i of the bulb is preferably flat to allow easy connection of the washer 606, although the washer can be secured to the portions 601 of the rounded surface as well. The inner surface 615 of the side wall idel container has a conical shape and tapers toward the end of the container. In the preferred example, it has circular cross sections of progressively decreasing diameter in the direction towards the end of the container. The cover 602 of the lamp has a side wall 619 in the preferred example which also has a conical shape Is congruent with the inner surface 615 of the side wall of the container, and supports such internal surface. The external surface 617 of the wall of the container is also tapered in a conical shape, and in the preferred example, tapers in the opposite direction from the inner surface. Figure 161 shows a lamp incorporating the bulb of the aperture lamp of Figure 160. An excitation coil 621, which may be in the form of a metal strip moon, is arranged around the container 610, while the Thermal pool 614, which may be made of a boron nitride ceramic material surrounds the bulb and the excitation coil. A plunger 616 which is biased by a spring 618, fixed to a support 620, prevents movement of the lamp when it is switched off and physical contraction takes place due to cooling. It should be noted that the inner surface 622 of the excitation coil 621 is tapered to match the taper of the outer surface 617i of the wall of the container. The bulb shown in Figure 160 and the lamp illustrated in Figure 161 have many advantages, which will be described in greater detail below. Figures 162 to 165 illustrate an example of the method of the invention. With reference to Figure 162, washer 606, which can be made of ceramic material The reflecting surface is first cemented to the cover 602 of the lamp with the cement 623, which is preferably an organic material selected to decompose at the temperature used to dry, cure or sinter the reflective material in the present invention. The ceramic washer can be made of a combination of alumina / silica, for example, 90% alumina and 10% silica with a desired porosity. As is known to those skilled in the art, ceramic technology exists to easily mass produce such washers by pressing a mold of the ceramic bodies as they are transported on a conveyor belt. In order to achieve a cementing of the washer 606 to the bulb cover,) the cover 602 of the lamp is placed in a fastener 624 which is of a shape similar to that of the bulb. The fastener 624 has a centrally located aperture 625 in which the tip 626 of the bulb can be inserted to effectively hold the lamp cover 602 so that it is fixed during the foundation step. As shown in Figure 163, container 610 that is cup-shaped is provided. The container 610 can be of relatively high density ceramic material, for example, the same material as that of the washer. The container 610 can be made in a mold, and it is easy to produce mass with a known ceramic technology. As noted in the above, the side wall of the container has internal surfaces that are conical in shape, the inner surface tapering towards the interior of the container, while the external surface tapers towards the outside of the container. The next step of the method is to fill the container 610 with a slurry or reflecting powder 612 at a predetermined level, for example, with a nozzle 627 which is fed by a source of the sludge or powder. The slurry or powder is preferably made of a ceramic material of relatively low density, for example, substantially pure alumina mixed with water and a small amount of an organic additive to prevent settling. The next step is shown in Figure 164 and consists of inserting the combination of the bulb / ceramic washer cover into the container 610. A vacuum fastener 629 can be used to hold and lower the cover in the proper position, which is shown in Figure 160. After the lamp cover 'is in the correct position, as shown in Figure 165, the ring 608 of the ceramic bonding material) is applied to secure the ceramic washer 606 to the wall of container 610. Ceramic glue has a consistency similar to that of a paste, and is typically made of a combination of alumina and silica powders combined with organic materials. The slurry is allowed to harden by drying, and the next step in the method is to cure the bulb of the lamp in an oven in order to cure the sludge and the ceramic glue. The curing of the sludge can be at a temperature of at least 500 ° C and can be done for a period of 15 to 20 minutes, while the ceramic adhesive cure can be made around 50 ° C and may require 1 to 2 hours to conclude. If a powder is used, it can heat up and / or be partially tuned1. It can now be appreciated that the method of the invention described above provides an easy way to manufacture an aperture lamp, which can be conveniently achieved in mass production. In addition, it is clear from the method that the lamp produced is very durable. Referring to Figure 160 again, it is noted that the conical side wall 619 of the lamp cover 602 abuts the inner surface 615 of the side wall 609 of the container. Matching tapered surfaces provide secure contact, which facilitates! the heat transfer that leaves the envelope of the lamp, ensuring that the lamp operates at a sufficiently low temperature. With reference to Figure 161, it is observed that the internal surface 622 of the excitation coil 621 is ahusa to coincide with the external surface 617 of the side wall of the container. The internal surface of the thermal pool 614 configured as a ring tapers in a similar manner. The tapered surfaces coinciderites provide a secure contact between them, resulting in high heat transfer. In the preferred example i, the taper of both the inner and outer surfaces of the side wall of the container is between 0.5 ° and 2.0 °. Referring again to Figure 160, it is noted that the washer 606 forms the break 607 through which the light of the bulb comes out. The use of a flat washer as an aperture forming member is one of the best in the present invention, since this part is standardizes and is easy to manufacture and install. In some lamp applications, the washer will be used as shown, while in other applications, additional light removal members such as optical fibers would be associated with the washer to control the desired light. 20 Second Example of a Ceramic Quartz Opening Structure With reference to Figure 166, it is shown! A second example of an opening lamp bulb! according to the invention. In this example, all have sections and containers between the side wall and the cover 14! of the lamp are filled with a reflective filler material 642. With reference to the aperture lamp of Figure 167, it is noted that the ceramic washer 638 is' wider than in the first example, and is joined to the 644 thermal sink with the ceramic adhesive 646. The flange provided with the washer 638 over dimensioned facilitates the transfer; of heat from the bulb. The other components illustrated! in Figures 166 and 167 are similar to the components corresponding to Figures 160 and 161. The manufacturing method of the example of Figures 166 and 167 are illustrated in Figures 168 to 171. Yon reference to Figure 168, the first stage consists of cementing a ceramic technology washer 650 to the upper flat surface of a lamp cover 630 with the cement 656, as explained in relation to the previous example. The technological washer 650 has a circular channel 1654 therein, leading to a hole 652. Referring to Figure 169, a container 641, which may be cup-shaped, is provided and is made of ceramic material that can be reflective . Also, a container 658 is provided, to which water can be supplied and is being extracted through an inlet / outlet 661. The container 641 is inserted into the container '658 ^^^ ¡^^ jtr¡jg | afcgf = ¡í ^^ g ^ j until its side wall rests against the flange 664 in the container. Side 660 is allowed to flow into container '658 as shown. The container 641 is then filled with the reflective flowable material such as ceramic mud at a predetermined level through the nozzle 662. The purpose of washing is to exert pressure on the ceramic container 641 and seal its pores. This prevents the liquid from leaving, which causes it to dry out. Then, with reference to Figure 170, the side 660 is evacuated from the container 658 and the combination of the lamp cover / technological washer is inserted in the container 641. This causes part of the mud 642 to flow into the channel 654 of the technological washer. It is necessary to overfill the container 641 with mud, since in the stage of thermal curing, the mud shrinks. After drying the mud, all of the assembly shown in Figure 170 is placed in the tunnel 664 furnace, shown in Figure 171, for thermal curing. The 668 supports are located inside the oven to hold the assembly of Figure 170. After curing the face of the bulb is cleaned of any foreign material. In the bulb of the resulting lamp, the hardened mud 642 forms a bushing covering the surface of the cover 630, but that does not adhere in a uniform manner or covers the cover. With reference to Figure 67, the ceramic ceramic sink 644, which may be of boron nitride, has an annular cross-section, and is cemented to the container 641 and the coil 643. The thermal sink has an annular channel therein, close to the upper part as illustrated in Figure 167, and the ceramic glue 646 that joins the washer 638 to the thermal sink 644 is located in this channel. The large size of the washer and the connection of ceramic glue to the thermal sink promotes a transfer of heat from the bulb. 10 4.2.8 Design Feature to Align the Cup Opening A preferred aperture / bulb cup assembly is shown in Figures 150-152. This assembly is aligned axially, radially and rotatably in the lamp head, as shown in Figures 213 and 215. According to! In a present aspect of the invention, the opening cup is provided with structural features to assist alignment of the assembly. Figure 172 is a schematic view of a C 671 opening according to the invention. Figure 173 is a cross-sectional view formed along line 173-173 in Figure 172. Opening cup 671 includes various features to assist alignment, including a projection 672, notches 673a and 673b , and | flattened portions 674a and 674b. These features can ÉíffilífflíW ^^ - ^ »*« ^^ used individually or in combination as I is shown. For example, the projection 672 can be sized to fit with the perforated area 260 as illustrated, in Figure 95 to provide rotational alignment of the assembly. As shown in Figure 173, the aperture cup 6 1 further includes an edge 672a which acts as a retainer (e.g., by supporting the excitation coil) when the assembly is placed within the lamp head in a desired axial alignment. Figure 174 is a schematic view of an alternative cup cup 675 according to the invention. Figure 175 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 175-175 of Figure 174. The opening cup 675 includes a raised portion 676 surrounding, the opening area. The raised portion 676 includes the outer flanges 677a-d forming a polygon. In the example shown, the polygon is a non-equiangular hexagon. ! The raised portion 676 can be scraped and easily aligned by the type of assembly of automated components. For example, an abutment using the coincident v-shaped limbs that move synchronously in diametrically opposite directions would be suitable for capturing the aperture cup 675 in a repeatable rotational orientation. The assembly team of automated components r - "t - ÜMÍMÍÍÍÍ • • • • ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 677d houses a number of dimensional variants that are at the same time that facilitates precise rotational alignment 4.2.9 Tab Opening Cup Figure 176 is a schematic view of a cup 67S of alternative preferred opening according to the present invention. Figure 177 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 177-177 in Figure 176. Figure 178 is a perspective view of the opening cup 678. The cup 678 includes a flange portion 679 extending from one end of the cup 678. The flange 678 may be made of a ceramic material of, for example, fully densified alumina. Preferably, the flange cup 678 comprises approximately 90% alumina, 10% silica with a porosity of 17% to 20%. As illustrated, flange 679 has a semi-circular shape with a flattened portion 680 along its periphery. A preferred bulb for the flanged cup is a spherical bulb with an external diameter of 6.5 mm OD, internal diameter 5.5 mm ID filled with 0.16 mg of InBr and 30 Torr Kr. The composite cup 678 can not be used as an integrated lamp head as shown in Figure I79. Preferably, the BN insert scars holes for ^^^^^ &m ^ ggÉ ^ coincide with flange portion 679 to provide axial, radial and rotational alignment of the cup, and it will promote the transfer of heat from the bulb. Thermal putty (eg putty T 502) is applied between) the flange cup 678 and the BN insert around an outer periphery of the flange 679. Figure 180 is a perspective view of an opening cup with alternative flanges with the flange at the end of the opposite cup from the end with the opening. 4.2.10 Start-up aid An opening lamp without electrodes can be excited inductively by a conductive driving member that extends around the bulb in! the azimuthal direction, for example a coil or a similar member. However, the field that is coupled by the excitation coil, although it is sufficient to sustain a discharge, may not be locally concentrated enough to initiate the discharge. This is especially true if the filler includes one or more noble high-pressure plug gases. Likewise, the presence of the ceramic cap can modify the field that penetrates through the filling. By! therefore, an auxiliary start member is sometimes desirable to produce a field that is sufficiently concentrated to trigger the ignition. In the prior art many different types of auxiliary starting arrangements for the lamp are known. However, the provisions of the prior art can be unduly complex, contain parts that can be broken, and / or introduce appreciable additional sizes to the lamp. For example, such arrangements include coils that can move in and out of the position of the starting aid, and metal or gas electrodes that are located in elongated quartz housings that are attached to the bulb. It is therefore an object of one aspect of the present invention to provide a lamp start exposure for an inductively coupled aperture lamp that is simple, easy to manufacture and reliable. According to one aspect of the invention, an aperture lamp without electrodes is provided, comprising a bulb containing a discharge-forming filler, a ceramic reflective cap comprising: the bulb except for one opening, a driving exciter member for inductively coupling the power | of excitation to the filling that extends around the bulb and the ceramic bushing in the azimetal direction), and at least one conductive start element embedded in the ceramic reflective bushing to couple an electric start field to the fill. According to an additional aspect of the invention, the starting element that is unduly in the ceramic reflective cap is not connected to an electrical power agent, but is coupled to a starting field caused by a voltage on the element that is induced by an electric field created by the driver excitation member. EXAMPLES OF STARTING EXPOSURES With reference to Figure 181, a first example of the present invention is shown. One 686 bulb is surrounded by a socket 687 in non-stick ceramic. The light exits through an aperture 688 and an optical fiber 689. The filler in the bulb 686 is inductively excited by a conductive driving member 690, which in the illustrated example is a helical coil extending around bulb 686 in the azimuthal direction. The coil 690 is connected to a power source 691, which is typically electrical energy that varies with time to radio frequency (RF). The alternating current in the excitation coil produces a variable time magnetic field (field H), an electric field (field E) is included in the filling. During the static state of operation, components of both the applied H field and the applied E field are present, with the field H component being generally very much greater. Although the applied field E is the one that initiates the discharge, The E field produced by the excitation coil itself can not concentrate enough to ionize the fill and turn on the lamp. This is particularly true when the filler includes one or more high pressure plug gases, which may be present to increase efficiency. According to one aspect of the invention, a start appearance 692, which may be in the shape of a cable, is embedded in the ceramic bushing. The ceramic bushing provides a suitable support means for the start element, so that additional components such as subsidiary support covers are not necessary. The element can be installed in the ceramic bushing during the first stages of the sintering process, in ways that the sintered solid forms around the element, wrapping it firmly in the solid. It is preferably installed so that one end is near the bulb to be lit. The example shown in FIGS. 181 to 183, and the start element is arranged in a non-azimuthal direction, which means that it has only axial and / or radial addressable components. This minimizes the "telephone crosstalk" between the excitation coil and the start element, which may decrease the power coupled to the filling during the static state operation. How I know ^ = ^? i ^ tó¡rtBÉtaa ^^^^^^^^^^ used in the present, the term "azimuthal direction" represented by the symbol q in Figure 182, refers to the direction of any circular line around the light bulb. The "axial direction" (Z) refers to a line two 5 perpendicular to the plane of the area bounded by the circular line, and the "radial direction" (R) refers to the direction of any radius of the circular line. According to a further aspect of the invention, the start element is not connected to a source It is separated from electrical power, but is coupled to a starting point caused by a voltage on the element that is induced by the electric field created by the excitation coil. The helical coil has a dimension in the axial direction (superior to inferior of the coil in, the Figure 181). The inventors have recognized that although the primary field induced by the coil has a toroidal shape, due to its axial dimension there is a potential difference between the upper and lower parts of the coil, creating an electric field in the axial direction, and it is this field The electric one is coupled to the start element in the example of Figure 181. Because the element has an abrupt termination (the end of the cable 692 in Figure 181), it concentrates the field near the bulb, helping the ionization of the gas found there and the ignition of the lamp. 'É &t¡¡s &M & *? ^^ taw É¡ ^ 15Í Figures 182 to 184 are cross-sectional view of alternative examples of the invention, the coil not being shown in these Figures. In Figures 1 ^ 2 and 183, instead of using an individual cable, a plurality of start cables are used. Figure 182, start wires 693a and 693b are placed in the axial direction. In Figure 183, cables 694a, 694b, 694c, and 694d are placed in the axial direction. The number and position of the cables can be experienced to provide the optimum starting arrangement for a particular lamp. In addition to having an electric field in the axial direction, the excitation coil also has an electric field in the radial direction (R), although typically, this will not be as large as the axial field. In Figure 184, the starting cables 695a and 695b, found! in the radial direction they are illustrated. Of course it is possible that the starting elements have directional components that are located both in the axial and radial directions, although in order to take advantage of the relatively large electric field in the axial direction of a helical coil, it is preferred that the element Starting point 1 has a substantial directional component in the axial direction. The shape of the ceramic bushing 687 in Figures 181 to 184 is generally an elongated cylinder. The relatively thick bushing, allowing for proper insertion and glfart? tffft Efa% the retention of the start cable without breaking. The thickness of the bushing is preferably 0.25-2 mm. In the opening structures discussed above (including sections 4.2.2, 4.2.7, 4.2.8, to 4.2.9), the 5 start elements described in present1 are placed on the ceramic element before this hardens. Although the conductive excitation member 690 shown in Figure 181 is a sliced coil helically, these configurations are possible. For example, Figure 185 shows a driving exciter member 696 that is in the form of a ring except for a space. Figure 186 shows a further example of moon start assist arrangement according to the invention, which is used with a ring-shaped excitation member or the like, as shown in Figure 185. In this case, unlike the examples in Figures 181 to 184, it is preferred that the starting elements rest in the azimuthal direction. With reference to the Figure 186, it is observed that the azimuthly curved start wires 698a and 698b are embedded in the reflector ceramic bushing 697 and are in the azimuth direction. The space of member 696 in the form of a hoop is a high field area and the start cables 698a and 698b are located in the ceramic element 697, opposed to the structure in form h »wÉ ^ ¡¡¡! In a very particular way, it may be advantageous to place both starting elements at the same height as the upper or lower flange of the ring-shaped structure, with the lower ends of the elements extending a little to the region in the ceramic element that is found. directly opposite the space, as shown in Figure 186. The starting elements can have the same azimuthal curvature as the ring-shaped structure way that is congruent with those. The high field in the ring-shaped structure space will induce a relatively high electric field in the "space" between the two start wires, thus facilitating the lamp's admission. The present invention can be applied to lamps having various specific fillers which, by way of non-limiting example, include fillers based on sulfur, selenium and tellurium as described in US Pat. Nos. 5,404,076 and 5,661,365 or various US Pat. filled with metal halides. If it is necessary to turn on the specific lamps, the element or starting elements can be connected to a separate source of alternating current or higher frequency power. Thus, an auxiliary provision of25 home that is particularly suited for use with a iáiw ^ M i fa ^ & ^^^^^ Mg aperture lamp without inductively coupled electrodes having a ceramic bushing. The invention has many advantages and provides a simple and effective means of initiation. 4.3 High Power Oscillator 5 Solid state microwave oscillators are described in various textbooks that include "Microwave Solid State Circuit Design," written by I. Bahi and P. Bhartia (Wiley-Interscience Publication, 1988, Chapters 3 and 9) and "Microwave Solid State Circuit Design Using Linear and Nonlinear Techniques ", written by George D. Vendelin, Anthony M. Pavio, and Ulrich L. Rohde (Wiley-Interscience Publication, 1990, Chapter 6). Articles on such oscillators include" Microwave Solid State Oscillator Circuits ", written by K. Kurokawa (Microwave Devices, Wiley, 1976) and "Accurate Linear Oscillator Analysis and Design," written by J. L. Martin and F. J. Gonzales (Microwave Journal, 1996 pp. 22-37). Microwave oscillators that use solid-state components and line transmission lines Strip 20 is described in the 'North American Patents Nos.1 Re 32,527, 4,736,454, and 5,339,047. The solid-state microwave oscillators having various feedback structures are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,775,845, 4,906,946, 4,949,053, and 5,483,206. < > j -? «? -to &A-: £: .iÍJa :: Y, Y Conventional solid-state microwave oscillators produce relatively low power output, for example, varying from a few hundred milliwa.tts (mW) to a few watts (W) when a lot. In addition, the conventional 5 solid state microwave oscillators are relatively inefficient, typically less than 40%. For higher power applications that require a high frequency signal, the oscillator signal is typically provided to an amplifier to increase the output power. For example, Figure 187 is a schematic diagram of a conventional system for providing a high-frequency, high-power signal. An oscillator 702 provides a high frequency signal! of low power to an amplifier 704 that increases the level of power and output a high-frequency, high-power signal. An electrodeless light source that receives radio frequency (RF) power is an example of an application that can use a high signal source. frequency, high power. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,070,603 discloses a light source without electrodes to which power is supplied by a solid state microwave power source. The microwave power tip described in that patent has the general structure shown in Figure 187. Namely, 'the Relatively low power oscillator output is applied to a power amplifier to provide a 40 W, 915 MHz signal at an assumed DC to (DC) to RF efficiency of 50%. Brief description of a novel high power oscillator according to the present invention There are a number of parameters that characterize the highly useful sources of high frequency power. These include the power output, the frequency oscillatory, DC to RF efficiency, reliability, mean time between failure (MTBF), economy, durability (working life), and others. For example, a highly efficient high power output source with a long working life, particularly a power source with MTBF prolonged, represents a very desirable combination of operating characteristics, high power, as used herein, is defined as the largest power i of about 10 watts (W). Solid state microwave power sources have a potential for provide a much longer working life than, for example, magnetrons. However, due in part to relatively low power output and / or relatively low efficiency, conventional solid-state microwave power sources are limited only to commercial applications, typically in low applications power. The present invention provides one or more of the following advantageous operating features in < a high frequency oscillator system: - Voltage protection of the active element - High efficiency - High output power - Low oscillatory frequency drag - Low level of harmonics 10 - Wide tolerance of non-coincidence of load - Linear dependence of the power output from the DC consumption voltage - Pulse width modulation of the output power. 15 - Individual active element (lower cost, superior reliability) - High durability, long working life - Small physical dimensions - Low weight 20 Voltage Protection One obstacle to achieving a high-power high-frequency oscillator with conventional circuits is that it can feedback of an excess of high voltage level i to the short circuit limit of the device, causing the failure of the device. The present invention overcomes this problem. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a high power oscillator includes an amplifier with a positive feedback circuit configured to initiate and sustain an oscillatory condition. The feedback circuit comprises an impedance transformation circuit that transforms a high voltage reflected over the output of the amplifier to a proportionally lower voltage over the amplifier input to protect the amplifier. amplifier of an over-voltage condition over its input. The voltage at the input is limited to less than the short-circuit voltage of the amplifier input. According to the invention, the feedback circuit i uses microtiter transmission lines and stops to limit the maximum reflected voltage provided to the output side of the feedback circuit a! a maximum of twice the voltage on the idel amplifier output. With the voltage on the output side of the feedback circuit limited in this way to 'a fixed maximum, the feedback loop is then configured to reduce the voltage feedback to the input side of the amplifier at some fraction of the output voltage that lies between the safety operating limits of the amplifier. For example, 'a capacitor circuit element grouped to couple with the output and reduce the voltage provided to the feedback loop. As used herein, a "grouped" element refers to a discrete electrical component. 5 Load Tolerance In some applications, the load driven by! An oscillator varies widely during the operation. For example, a lamp without electrodes has a high impedance load where there is no discharge in the bulb and a low impedance load is turned on. Therefore, during the ignition of the lamp, or if the lamp goes off, the load changes dramatically. These charge changes cause high voltage reflections that are potentially destructive if fed back to the input of the amplifier. Conventional oscillator circuits that include elements grouped in the feedback circuit I typically include grouped inductor elements that have a high quality factor (Q) and are therefore more susceptible to high destructive voltage of 0 feedback from such voltaic reflections. e. According to the invention, the oscillator circuit operates without destroying the amplifier element at all the phase angles and at all the magnitudes from the circuit 5 open to the closed one. Preferably, the circuit 'of To »« «rih l nrrtfir ^ n-ürr feedback includes only transmission lines and grouped non-inducing elements. According to another aspect of the invention, | the feedback circuit comprises circuits of impedance transformation in two circuits, of feedback with reduced feedback voltage in each circuit. For example, two smaller grouped capacitor elements (one for each circuit) are used to decrease the coupling between the output and the input and reduce the voltage in each circuit. This will improve the tolerance of the load due to the improved voltage protection. Preferably, the two feedback loops are symmetrical so that the voltage provided to each feedback loop is equal. The symmetric dual symmetric feedback loops also improve efficiency. According to another aspect of the invention, a fourth microtira transmission line junction (e.g. a microwave cross) is connected to the output of the amplifier to provide distribution of currents and minimize the inductance at the output of the amplifier. Load Sensitivity According to another aspect of the invention, the oscillator includes an impedance matching circuit of the output connected to the output of the amplifier and the feedback circuit is coupled with a high impedance end of the impedance matching circuit of the output to reduce the sensitivity to the impedance of the load. Circuit Size According to another aspect of the invention, the element of the grouped capacitors is used in the feedback loop to reduce the size of the circuit when adding phase change to the feedback circuit are long lengths of transmission lines. The size of the circuit is further reduced by selecting the appropriate dielectric material to reduce the length and / or physical width of the transmission lines while maintaining the proper electrical length. Pulse Width Modulation The oscillator examples described below can be configured with a regulator pulse applied to the output of the active element to turn off the oscillator during some fraction of a cycle and thereby reduce the power! Average output arose the load. This form of modulation of the pulse width allows to tint the lamp from, the total brightness decreasing up to approximately 30% of total brightness. Therefore, the present invention provides moon ^^ ,, ^. ^ ^ ^^^ strength of power that is suitable for many commercially practical applications, including high power applications such as electrodeless lighting. Of course, depending on the application one or more of the aforementioned characteristics may be required. These characteristics are achieved individually and in combination, and it is not intended that it be construed that the present invention requires two or more of the features unless expressly required in the appended claims. The invention is described hereinafter with respect to seven specific circuit examples. The part numbers of the examples for each of the examples from the first to the seventh are the following: Table 6 1 -Motorola® MRF184 12-130 nF surface mount capacitor 2-Ericson® E10044-E9584 13-150 nF surface mount capacitor 3-Motorola® MRF184S 14-4.7 μF Surface Mount Capacitor 4-0.7 to 2.6 pF variable mounting capacitor 15-0.4 μiH inductor to wind the surface wire 16-0 to 5.1 K ohm variable mounting resistor -0.6 to 2.5 pF variable surface mount surface capacitor 17-2.1 K ohm surface mount resistor 6-1.5 to 9 pF variable mounting capacitor 18-2.2K ohm resistor surface mounting surface 19-5K ohm surface mount resistor 7-2.5 to 8 pF variable mounting capacitor 20-10K ohm resistor surface lead resistor 21-15K ohm surface mount resistor 8-22 pF Surface Mount Capacitor 22-1 OOK Ohm Surface Mount Resistor 9-130 pF Surface Mount Capacitor 23-Varactor Diode 10-470 pF Surface Mount Capacitor 24-Zener Diode 11-100 nF Surface Mount Capacitor 25- Surface Mount Zener Diode Table 7 Exemplary performance characteristics for each of the examples from the first to the seventh are the following: Table 8 Where the first column corresponds to the number of the example and: V - DC voltage; % - DC to RF Efficiency; a f - oscillatory frequency in MHz. Examples of high power oscillators Figure 181 is a block level schematic diagram of an oscillator system according to the invention for producing a high power high frequency signal. A power supply circuit (not shown) provides a DC voltage to an oscillator 707 and a track circuit 703. The track circuit 703 produces a DC voltage suitable for the oscillator 707 to bypass the active element of the oscillator 707. For example, deflection circuit 703 provides sufficient deviation for the active element to initially operate in its linear region Jjfrja ^^ stoaftl., With sufficient gain to withstand the oscillation, i Oscillator 707 oscillates at a design frequency which is tuned by a tuner circuit 705. The oscillator 707 provides a high power high frequency signal 5 a an output impedance matching circuit 709 can be connected to a suitable load. Individual impedance shaping network and feedback loop Figure 189 is a schematic diagram at the level of block of an oscillator 707 according to the invention which uses an impedance transformation network in a feedback loop. According to the invention, an output of an amplifier 711 is fed back to an input of the amplifier 711 through the network 713 i of impedance transformation. The impedance transformation network 713 is configured to provide adequate positive feedback to initiate and sustain an oscillatory condition. According to the invention, the impedance transformation network 713 is configured further to protect the amplifier input, during 1 high output power operation, from a condition! of over voltage that would otherwise destroy the device. For example, the protection of the voltage is achieved by avoiding, that voltage develops in the output through lias controlled voltage reflections transforming a high voltage at the output terminal of the amplifier 711 at a low voltage at the input terminal of the amplifier 711, which ensures that the maximum level of short circuit by voltage of the amplifier 5 is not exceeded. According to the invention, the network 713 i of Impedance transformation is preferably further configured to create a matching condition between the input impedance of the amplifier and the feedback circuit to improve the efficiency. The amplifier 711 is preferably diverted near the short circuit so that the circuit operates efficiently. Figure 190 is a schematic block-level diagram of an oscillator system according to the invention incorporating the oscillator of Figure 189. In the Figure 190, the impedance transformation network 713 is not directly applied to consumption, but instead is coupled to | the output impedance matching network 709. Preferably, there is a relatively high impedance ('for example greater than approximately a reactance of 100 ohms) between the connection point and the consumption output. By coupling the output impedance matching circuit 709 to a high impedance point, the feedback circuit has less influence on the consumption output and the oscillator system is less sensitive to the load impedance. 25 First example of a high power oscillator Figure 191 is a schematic circuit-level diagram of a first example of an oscillator system according to the invention. A transistor that Ql has a source terminal S that is grounded. An output is connected from a consumption terminal D to an output impedance matching circuit that includes a transmission line TL1 (with a characteristic impedance Z1) connected at one end to the consumption D and not connected at the other end, 'a transmission line TL2 (with a characteristic impedance Z2) connected at one end to the consumption D and to a feedback circuit at the other end, and a transmission line TL3, (a characteristic impedance Z3) connected at one end to the union of TLl and TL2 and connected at the other end in series with a first tip of a capacitor Cl, providing the other end of Cl with an output that can be connected to a load. The feedback circuit is connected between the end of the transmission line TL2 and an input I of the transistor Ql at an output terminal G including] a capacitor C2, a transmission line TL4 (with a characteristic impedance Z4), a capacitor C3, a transmission line TL5 (with an impedance characteristics Z5) ,? a capacitor Z4, and a transmission line TL6 (with a characteristic impedance Z6) connected in series. A DC supply voltage Vdc provides power to the oscillator system through a radio frequency filter circuit, a tuner circuit, and? a branch circuit for transistor Ql. The RF filter circuit includes the inductor Ll and a filter capacitor 5 C6 and provides DC operating voltage to the consumption D | of the transistor Ql. The tuner circuit includes a variable resistor Rl which is a three terminal device, 1 where a first and a second terminal are connected respectively to the opposite ends of a variable voltage divider and a third terminal is connected at the junction of the voltage divider. In Figure 191, the first terminal is connected to the Vdc, the second terminal is connected to ground and the third terminal is connected to one end of the terminal. resistor R2. The other end of the resistor R2 is connected to the moon cathode end union of a varactor diode DI and a capacitor C5. The other end of the DI diode is grounded.1 The other end of capacitor C5 is connected to the transmission line TL5. Resistors Rl, R2, DI varactor diode and capacitor C5 provide a tuner function for the oscillator system. The branch circuit includes a variable resistor R3 with the first terminal connected to the Vdc and the second terminal connected to ground. The third terminal of R3 is connected to one end of a resistor R4. The other end ^ As ^^^^^^^^ jgÉÉjj ^ & ^^^^^^^^^^^^ & ^^ resistor R4 is connected to the transmission line TL6. The branch circuit provides bypass voltage from DC to the G output of transistor Ql. Figure 192 is a printed circuit board scheme suitable for use in the implementation of the circuit described in the first example. The total dimensions of the board are approximately 102 mm (4 inches) by approximately 76 mm (3 inches). The thickness of the dielectric material is approximately 1.27 mm (0.05 inches), the dielectric constant is i of approximately 9.2. Figure 193 is a cross-sectional view of the printed circuit board taken along line 193-193 in Figure 192. As can be seen in Figure 193, a printed circuit board 715 includes a layer 725 for conductive residues , a dielectric layer 727 and a plane-to-ground layer 729. Preferably,! the printed circuit 715 is further mounted to a metal plate 731 which is electrically connected to the ground plane 729. In the first example, the printed circuit board 715 further includes a recess portion 721, which is sized to house the active element of the printed circuit board 715. oscillator circuit. The circuit board 715 has printed conductors remains TL1-TL6 disposed thereon, which are lin'eas transmission corresponding respectively to the impedances Z1-Z6 divelrsa characteristics. The areas to land 717 * tiM? ~ et * aau ?? * ¡? duí uitm * i? they are also disposed on top layer 725 and 1 are electrically connected to ground plane 729 by plating through holes or other conventional methods. The conductive area 719 is isolated from the ground area 717 and provides a connection area for the DC supply voltage Vdc. Another conductive area 723 provides a connection area for the tuner circuit. Following are approximate electrical lengths and impedances for each of the transmission lines. LINE OF IMPEDANCE LENGTH ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS TRANSMISSION TLl Zl = 25 Ohm 0.154? G TL2 Z2 = 25 Ohm 0.154? G TL3 Z3 = 50 Ohm Not applicable TL4 Z4 = 40 Ohm 0.115? G TL5 Z5 = 40 to 25 Ohm * 0.23? G TL6 Z6 = 25 Ohm 0.016? G Table 9 * TL5 transmissions from 40 Ohms to 25 Ohms to equal the 40 Ohms impedance of TL4 with the impedance of 25 Ohmsj of TL6. Figure 194 is a schematic, assembly-level diagram of the printed circuit board of Figure 192-17! bent with suitable electronic devices and other parts to implement the oscillator system of the first example. The designators of reference in the Figure, 194 correspond to the similar circuit elements of FIG. 191. Ql is preferably a power field effect transistor (FET), for example, a metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS), a field effect transistor (FIG. MOSFET) manufactured with laterally diffused MOS technology (LDMOS). As shown in Figure 194, the terminal of the Ql source provides the mounting holes through which a thread or bolt is inserted to mount Ql to the metal plate 731 and make the electrical connection from the source terminal. from Ql to Earth. The terminal of the source S of the transistor Ql is preferably also welded to the metal plate 731 so that Ql is properly grounded (ie, the RF current flows over a large area of the wave structure). The metal plate 731 also provides a thermal sink for the transistor Q1 and is designated as a thermal disperser. The output terminals G and consumption D of Ql, and the remaining electrical components are secured both mechanically and electrically to the printed circuit board 715 by welding or other conventional means. The general operation of the circuit is as follows. A DC voltage Vdc is applied to the circuit. The voltage Vdc is supplied to the consumption D of the transistor Ql through an RF filter circuit. The consumption voltage can be varied from about 20 V to about 28 V. The voltage Vdc is also supplied to the G output of the transistor Ql through the voltage divider circuit which is configured to provide output bypass voltage to the recess near the transistor which initially places transistor Ql at a point of operation just inside its linear region. For example, for Motorola® MRF184 specified above, the output voltage is set to around 4 V. The Vdc voltage is also supplied! to the DI varactor diode through a voltage divider circuit. By varying the voltage provided to di the oscillating frequency is tuned. Once the voltage Vdc is applied to the circuit, the transistor Ql drives. A certain amount of random noise is inherent in the circuit. The noise that is present on the D consumption was fed back through the feedback loop and amplified. This process starts the oscillation. Once started, the oscillation is sustained at the design frequency. To sustain the oscillation at the proper frequency, the delay time (the change of f se) in the feedback loop of the transistor Ql must equal approximately 1 / (2x osc), where that is the design frequency.

The transion lines TL1 and TL2 are stops configured so that the length of the transion line between the consumption D and the junction of the stops TL1, TL2 together with the length of the stops TL1, TL2 result in a consequence of impedance of the impedance of consumption to the impedance of the transion line TL3, for example a characteristic impedance Z3 of approximately 50 Ohms). The layout feature of the transion line for TLl is that the maximum reflected voltage observed at any point on TLl is at most] twice the voltage applied to TLl from a source that coincides in a conjugate manner. Therefore, the voltage on the opening end (ie high impedance) of the stop iTL1 (ie the end of TL1 distant from the consumption) is limited to at most twice the voltage on the output of the amplifier (i.e. consumption RF voltage). This voltage progressively decreases through the feedback circuit so that the voltage on the output side of the active device (ie the output) is significantly less than twice the voltage on the consumption. The radiofrequency voltage that is fed back to the output G is, however, sufficiently high to produce a large current in the transistor Ql. In addition, in order to achieve the desired voltage protection under all load conditions, the feedback circuit is configured in such a way that even if the output voltage doubles instantaneously (for example due to an identical voltage duplication in TLl). ), the voltage of the duplicate output is within the safe operating limit of the device. For example, for Motorola® MRF184 specified above, the output to the breakdown voltage of the source is approximately 20 V. During operation, the circuit is configured to operate with an output voltage of approximately 8 V plus DC bypass voltage of 4 V for a total output to source voltage i of approximately 12 V. If the operating voltage doubles instantaneously, the output voltage would be i of approximately 16 V plus the DC bypass voltage of 4 V for a total of 20 V that is within, the safe limits of operation of the device. Dual Impedance Transformation Network Feedback Circuit Additional improvements in output power, efficiency and working life are achieved by an oscillator according to the invention using two feedback circuits. Figure 195 is a block-level schematic diagram of an oscillator according to the invention using dual impedance transformation networks in the feedback circuits ^ Bt ^ i ^ - ^ MteíH IfiÉ respective. According to the invention, an output of an amplifier 733 is fed back to an input of the amplifier 733 through a first impedance transformation network 735 and a second impedance transformation network 737. Figure 196 is a schematic block-level diagram of an oscillator system according to the invention incorporating the oscillator of Figure 195. In Figure 196, the impedance transformation networks 735, 737 nc are directly coupled to the consumption, but instead they are coupled to the output impedance matching circuit 709 to improve the load impedance sensitivity as discussed in the above with respect to Figure 190. According to the invention, the 735, 737 'networks Transformation of dual impedance is configured to provide positive feedback suitable for miking and sustaining an oscillatory condition. As in the first example, dual impedance transformation networks Ys are also configured to protect the input of the amplifier, during the operation of exit of ajlta power, of an overvoltage condition that of another mañera destroy the device. Advantageously, the dual impedance feedback networks provide even more adequate positive feedback of the amplifier, compared to the feedback loop ^ jjjág¿H! j6 »tó¡ Íar ^ __ individual, and at the same time improves voltage protection and efficiency also improves. By using two feedback loops, the feedback current at the output remains high while the voltage > of feedback on each feedback line i is divided in half. Because the destruction of the device is caused largely by overvoltage conditions, the voltage protection will improve significantly. In some of the following examples, full C-class operation and / or full voltage swing can be achieved. Second Example of a High-Power Oscillator Figure 197 is a schematic circuit diagram of a second example of a power oscillator system. according to the invention. A transistor Ql has a source terminal S that is grounded. An output of transistor Ql is taken from a consumption terminal B and connected to an output impedance matching circuit that includes a TLO transmission line (with an impedance characteristic ZO) connected at one end to the consumption D and connected at the other end between the respective ends of two transmission lines TL1 and TL2 (with characteristic impedances Z1 and Z2, respectively). The other end of TLl connects to a first feedback loop. He Another end of TL2 is connected to a second circuit 'of ? j ^ ®i ^^^^ j ^^ & gi ^ £ feedback. The output impedance matching circuit also includes a transmission line TL10 (with a characteristic impedance Z10) connected in an extension to the junction of TLO, TL1 and TL2 and connected at the other end to one end of the transmission line TL11 (with a characteristic impedance Zll). The other end of TLll is connected to a junction of the transmission lines TL12, TL13 and TL14 (with characteristic impedances Z12, Z13 and Z14). TL12 and TL13 are matching stops that are not connected at their other respective ends. The other end of the transmission line TL14 is connected in series with a C7 capacitor. The output of capacitor C7 can be supplied to a load! The first feedback circuit is connected between the end of the stop TLl which is distant from the consumption D and an input of the transistor Ql in the output terminal G. The first feedback circuit includes a capacitor Cl, a transmission line TL3, A capacitor C3, and a transmission line TL5 connected 'in series. The second feedback circuit is connected between the end of the stop TL2 which is distant from the consumption D and the output G and includes a capacitor C2, a transmission line TL4, a capacitor C4, and a transmission line TL6 connected in series . A DC supply voltage of Vdss provides operating voltage to the consumption D of the transistor Ql through an RF filter circuit that includes an inductor Ll and a capacitor C6. In Figure 197, one end of the inductor Llj is connected to Vdss and the other end of the inductor Ll is connected at the junction of Cl and TLl. One end of capacitor C6 is connected to Vdss and the other end of capacitor C6 is connected to ground. A DC supply voltage Vgs provides bypass voltage to the G output of the transistor Ql through a bypass circuit that includes the resistors Rl and R2. In Figure 197, one end of resistor Rl is connected to Vgs and the other end of resistor Rl 'is connected in series with a transmission line TL7 which is connected to output G. One end of resistor R2 is connected to Vgs and the other end of resistor R2 is connected to ground. The oscillator system illustrated in Figure 197 further includes a tuner circuit comprising a transmission line TL8 (with a characteristic impedance Z8) that is not connected at the other end and at the other end is connected in series with a line Transmission TL9 (with a characteristic impedance Z9) and a cut capacitor C5, which is connected to ground-RF. The junction of the transmission line TL8 and the transmission line TL9l is connected to the junction of the resistor Rl and the transmission line TL7. 25 Figure 198 is a circuit board scheme printed adequate to be used for the implementation of the circuit that is exposed in the second example. Approximate board dimensions are approximately 102 mm (4 inches) by about 64 mm. (2.5 inches). The thickness of the dielectric material is approximately 1.27 mm (0.050 inches), and the dielectric constant is approximately 9.2. The printed circuit board has conductive residues TL0-TL14 disposed thereon which are transmission lines corresponding respectively to the various characteristic impedances Z0-Z14. The characteristic impedances and approximate electrical lengths for each of the transmission lines are as follows: LINE OF IMPEDANCE LENGTH ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS TRANSMISSION TL0 Z0 = 10 Ohm * TLl Zl = 10 Ohm * TL2 Z2 = 10 Ohm * TL3 Z3 = 2x Zl? G / 8 TL4 Z4 = 2x Zl? G / 8 TL5 Z5 = 15 | Zin | 0.075? G TL6 Z6 = 15 IZinl 0.075? G TL7 Z7 = 22 Ohms 0.045? G TL8 Z8 = 28 Ohms 0.12? G TL9 Z9 = 28 Ohms 0.12? G TL10 Z10 = 10 Ohms > 0.07? G TL11 Zll = 50 Ohms * * TL12 Z12 = 50 Ohms * * TL13 Z13 = 50 Ohms -k -k TL14 Z14 = 50 Ohms Not applicable Table 10 where * The respective electrical lengths of TLO, TLl, and TL2 are calculate from a Smith frame to match the output impedance Zout of the transistor with an impedance of ten (10) Ohms; ** The respective electrical lengths of TL11, TL12, and TL13 are calculated from a Smith chart to match an impedance of fifty (50) Ohms with an impedance of ten (10) Ohms; ? g is the wavelength of the oscillatory frequency; Z? N is the input impedance of the output G; and Zout is the output impedance of the consumption D. The ground areas 741 are also arranged on an upper side on an upper side of the board 'of the printed circuit and are electrically connected to a ground plane on the opposite side of the circuit board printed by plating through holes or other conventional methods for good RF grounding practice. A conductive area 743 is isolated from the ground area 41 and provides a connection area for the DC supply voltage of Vdss. Another conductive area 745 provides a connection area for the supply voltage of Vgs. 5 The short length of the transmission line TLO mentioned at consumption D compensates for the consumption capacitance. The stop lines TLl and TL2 are configured to match the output impedance of the consumption D. Cl and C2 are used as cut-off capacitors to change the level of feedback for efficient optimized output power. Preferably, Cl and C2 each have a relatively high impedance of XC? = Xc2 = between approximately 150 and 250 Ohms. The relatively high impedance of Cl and C2 limits the RF voltage that is transferred to the circuit and creates an essentially open circuit condition on the ends of the stop lines TLl and TL2 distant from the consumption. As discussed in the above, under this condition the voltage, RF, on the ends of the stop lines TLl and TL2 Distances with respect to consumption are limited to no more than about twice the RF voltage of consumption. The dual feedback configuration increases' the positive feedback (eg beta) of the feedback loops and a requirement is observed increased of the oscillator.

MM ^ T ^ - ^ - ^ BrtfiÉB ^ As used herein, a "stop" refers to a branch of a transmission line, typically forming a "T" junction with the transmission line. A "top" of the microwave transmission line produces an effect of immittance at the point, of branching in a guided wave structure by transforming the impedance observed at the end of the stop through a length of the transmission line of the stop . The length of the stop is selected to have an impedance characteristic that produces the desired imitation at the branch point. In the circuit illustrated in Figures 197-199, 'the damage caused by the high voltage to the transistor Ql i is reduced by providing the impedance lines low characteristic TL5 (Z5) and TL6 (Z6) to transform the feedback impedance to the complete conjugate of the output impedance. TL5 and TL6 are lines that prevent high voltage from passing over the feedback circuit by producing an additional capacitive bypass effect. the output G, and decrease the maximum voltage that appears in the output G. The transmission lines TL3 and TL4 provide the feedback lines for the signals from Cl and C2 respectively. Capacitors C3 and C4 provide, a coupling between the TL3 and TL4 feedback lines -ii lafiiiffif e ?? ur i amAiá and the protective stops TL5 and TL6. The impedance of C3 and C4 is configured to be Xc3 = Xc4 = between about 8 and 10 Ohms in the oscillatory frequency? G. The TL7 transmission line and the 5 tuner stops TL8 and TL9 decrease the input impedance at the G output and provide additional protection for the G output from the voltage passing over the feedback line. The tuning cap TL8 can be adjusted (for example cut) to adjust the impedance, entry. Preferably, the sum of the lengths of the lines TL7 and TL8 and the sum of the lengths of the lines TL7 and TL9 are each approximately equal to half the wavelength of the third harmonic of the oscillatory frequency (ie LTL7 + LTL8 = LtL7 + Lt 9 =? G / 6). By maintaining this ratio of length increases the signal of the third harmonic in the output voltage and increases the efficiency. Capacitor C5 is a variable capacitor that can be adjusted to tune the oscillatory frequency. The oscillatory frequency can be determined by means of following equation: Equation (5) where; Li is the length of the TLl transmission line - - ili-nt? i T'H¡ rai'n .rife. ^ v 'a * ^ L3 is the length of the transmission line TL3 L5 is the length of the transmission line TL5? g? Is the wavelength appropriate to the oscillatory frequency for the transmission line TLi? is the oscillatory frequency Zi is the characteristic impedance of the linear transmission TLl Z3 is the characteristic impedance of the transmission line TL3 Z5 is the characteristic impedance of the transmission line TL5 fQ? is the space tracing angle within the transistor Ql C? n is the input capacitance created by, the capacitance of the transistor output, the capacitance, of the transmission lines TL7, TL8 and TL9, and capacitor C5. Figure 199 is a schematic diagram at the assembly level of the circuit board printed from Figures 198 populated with suitable electronic devices and other parts to implement the oscillating system of the second example. The transistor Ql is mounted to a metal plate that is electrically connected to ground as described in the above with respect to the first example. The other transistor terminals and electrical components are mechanically and electrically connected to the printed circuit board and / or microtire lines by welding or other conventional means. A coaxial connector 747 is provided on the printed circuit board with its center conductor connected to the output of capacitor C7 and its external conductor 5 connected to ground. C7 refers to a "blocking" capacitor since it acts to block the output from the DC bypass. The general operation of the circuit was described in the above with respect to the first example. The voltage, from The consumption can be adjusted from approximately 14 V to approximately 28 V and the output bypass voltage of approximately 4 V. The practical operating range for the second example is approximately 10 to approximately 100 output power over a frequency range. ! from approximately 680 MHz to approximately 915 MHz. Typically higher efficiencies are obtained at the lower end of the frequency range. Those skilled in the art will understand that the amount of output power obtained is limited by the maximum operating characteristics of the active element and that the upper output power can be provided by an oscillator system according to I the invention using an active element with correspondingly superior operating characteristics. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that the frequency range effective and oscillatory frequency can be adjusted , «J ??? Ay * Í &Ly .. ^. I¿j ^ j« a < a &j-te properly dimensioning the printed circuit board and the transmission lines on it and the appropriate selection of the values of the discrete components Figure 200 is a combination chart! of I-V curve characteristics for the transistor and the output signal of the transistor consumption. As shown in Figure 200, signal 706 in consumption starts as a random fluid and oscillates with amplitude increasing until transistor Ql saturates. The circuit then oscillates at a frequency where the following conditions are satisfied: ß x A = l Equation (6) Equation (7) where ß is the transfer coefficient of 15 feedback; A is the amplification coefficient for the amplifier element in the linear mode of the operation; and f is the phase change of each element in the feedback loop. 20 Figure 201 is a graph in combination of the output power and efficiency of the oscillator system in the second example as a function of the DC consumption voltage. As can be seen in Figure 201, the output power increases linearly with the DC consumption voltage from about 30 to about 14 V Vdss' to about 5 from 70 W to 22 V Vdss. On this full range of DC consumption voltages, the DC to RF efficiency of the oscillator system is above 67%, with a maximum of approximately 71% efficiency at 15 V Vdss. Figure 202 is an oscillatory frequency graph as a function of the output power. As can be seen in Figure 202, the oscillatory frequency increases only slightly (by approximately 0.27%) as the output increases from 30 to around 70. The change in frequency is a result of the change in the capacitance of the consumption junction in the different DC voltages for the different output powers1. Figure 203 is a plot of the oscillatory frequency versus time for an oscillator system 'operating around 50 W with a consumption voltage of approximately 18 V. As can be seen in Figure 203, the oscillator system exhibits low deviation from the oscillatory frequency about 100 hours of operation at a relatively constant temperature. Therefore, the second example of the invention 'SatksmMíimi? Mm? Fi .. provides a highly desirable combination of operational characteristics. Namely, an oscillator system with high power output, very efficient with little deviation. of the oscillatory frequency. The second example also exhibits substantially linear dependence of the output power on the DC consumption voltage. Advantageously, these features as well as others of the present invention are achieved in an oscillator system having only one individual active element, which provides lower cost and superior reliability compared to the high power RF generating systems of the art. previous ique require both a low power oscillator and, an external amplifier (ie at least two active elements) to achieve high output power. The oscillating system according to the invention also advantageously proportions small physical dimensions and low weight, thus making the system suitable for multiple practical applications. Third example of a high power oscillator Figure 204 is a schematic diagram at the assembly level of a printed circuit board with the appropriate electronic devices as well as other parts to implement a third example of an oscillator system according to the invention. The third example differs from the second example in that, among other things, the circuits of Dual feedback in the third example are synetricps. The printed circuit board in the third example has approximate dimensions of approximately 102 i mm (4 inches) by 64 mm (2.5 inches). The thickness of the dielectric material is approximately 1.25 mm (50 mils), and the dielectric constant is approximately 9.2. The oscillator system according to the third example is operated at a frequency range of between about 790 to 920 MHz, with an output power that varies from about 30 to about 70 'W (corresponding to a voltage range). of DCi consumption from 18 V to 28 V). The circuit exhibits a DC to RF efficiency of between about 56 to 68% with a frequency stability of +/- 0.5 MHz. 15 Fourth example of a high power oscillator Figure 205 is a schematic, level, assembly diagram of a printed circuit board with the appropriate electronic devices as well as other parts to implement a fourth example of an oscillator system, according to the invention. The dual feedback circuits in the fourth example are substantially symmetric. The fourth example differs from the second example in that, among other things, the fourth example uses a single DC power supply that is connected to the consumption through an RF filter circuit (Ll, C8, C9) and to the output to through a branch circuit (Rl, R2, R3, DI). The fourth example exhibits better load matching and efficiency compared to the second example. The printed circuit board has approximate dimensions of 102 mm (4 inches) by approximately 641 mm (2.5 inches). The thickness of the dielectric material is approximately 1.25 mm (50 mils), and the dielectric constant is approximately 9.2. Fifth example of a high power oscillator 10 Figure 206 is a schematic diagram at the assembly level of a printed circuit board with the appropriate electronic devices as well as other parts to implement a fifth example of an oscillator system according to the invention. The feedback circuits individuals in the fifth example are substantially symmetric. The fifth example is a variant of the fourth example modified to match the impedance characteristics of a different power transistor. The printed circuit board has dimensions Approximately 102 mm (4 inches) approximately! of 64 mm (2.5 inches). The thickness of the dielectric material is approximately 1.25 mm (50 mils), and the dielectric constant is approximately 9.2. Sixth example of a high power oscillator 25 Figure 207 is a schematic diagram at the level of assembly of a printed circuit board with the appropriate electronic devices as well as other parts to implement a sixth example of an oscillator system according to the invention. The dual feedback circuits in the sixth example are substantially symmetrical. The sixth example is a variant of the fourth modified example for a different dielectric material and the thickness of the printed circuit board material also different. The output impedance matching circuit is reconfigured with corners at an angle to provide the appropriate electrical length substantially in the same size of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has approximate dimensions of 102 mm (4 inches) by approximately 64 'mm (2.5 inches). The thickness of the dielectric material (RF-4) is approximately 0.8 mm (31 mils), and the dielectric constant is approximately 4. Seventh example of a high power oscillator Figure 208 is a printed circuit board scheme suitable for being used to implement a seventh example of an oscillating system according to the invention. Figure 209 is a schematic assembly-level diagram of the printed circuit board of Figure 208 with the appropriate electronic devices, including a surface mount version of the transistor from Motorola® transistor, as well as other parts to implement the oscillator system of the seventh example. As shown in Figure 209, the transistor Ql is justified in terms of consumption. The dual feedback circuits in the seventh example are substantially symmetric. The seventh example is a variant of the sixth example modified by a different dielectric material and the size of the reduced printed circuit. In comparison with the previous examples, the The seventh example provides the greatest efficiency and the smallest physical dimensions. The printed circuit board has approximate dimensions of approximately 64 mm (2.5 inches) by approximately 38 mm (1.5 inches). The thickness of the material dielectric is approximately 0.6 mm (25 mils), and 'the dielectric constant is approximately 10.2. Although the invention has been described with respect to specific examples, the invention will not be limited thereto. Based on the drawings, the detailed description as well as the teachings set forth therein, and numerous other examples may be devised by those skilled in the art. For example, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other circuit configurations may be used to provide suitable tap and tap voltages. for the various examples set forth herein. Further, Examples include resistors and / or variable capacitors that can be replaced by valuable fixed components in production. The foregoing examples should therefore be considered only as illustrative, the scope and spirit of the invention being set forth in the appended claims. 4.4 Lamp and oscillator In general, the present aspect of the invention relates to an integrated lamp head as described in section 4.1.8, to which power is supplied by an RF oscillator as described in section 4.3, and various improvements and / or alterations thereof. The lamp according to the present invention has a true revolution in lighting. As that the vacuum tube has been replaced by the transistor, first in the application niche and then visually in all applications, the lamp without solid state electrodes will enter into all aspects of the illumination. At the heart of the RF sources is finds the same silicon technology that has given us] the radio transistor and the computer. By using a novel combination of electrodeless bulbs and solid-state technology, the resulting lamp is reliable, long-lasting and is considered to be 'very effective in terms of costs when it occurs in large volume. Although the lamp of the present invention preferably employs a high power oscillator as described in section 4.3, other circuit topologies can alternatively be used to generate the required RF energy 5. The lamps have been operated successfully with more conventional circuitry employing a low voltage oscillator followed by one or more of the amplification stages. The difference of most 'RF applications, linearity is not important Significant, and amplifiers of any kind including classes E and F can be used. As noted above, the RF source preferably uses a commercially available silicon RF transistor, which fulfills certain objects of the invention. performance and costs. Other selections suitable for, transistor technology include, but are not limited to: a, germanium carbide, gallium and silicon. The same forces that push computers from boxes to boards, and finally to an individual integrated circuit also push to the lamp of the present invention. The lamp of the present invention contemplates product configurations in which the power supply, the power RF oscillator, the coupling circuit and the siren bulb are integrated in an individual device. For closet applications, the integration can extend beyond the lamp. For example, an optical modulator can be integrated by the lamp device to produce a screen motor. According to another aspect of the present invention, the lamp head is mounted directly on the same printed circuit board as the circuitry of the RF oscillator. In some examples, the printed circuit board is mechanically and electrically connected to a metal plate, designated as a diffuser plate, which has a opening under the printed circuit board in the area of the lamp head in order to allow the printed circuit board to bend in response to thermal forces. According to another aspect of this In the invention, a control circuit is provided for matching the operating characteristics of the lamp to the operating frequency of the oscillator at a plurality of different frequencies. Class E 20 amplifier Class E RF sources offer the potential to have an efficiency greater than 80% and have also been the subject of great development effort at frequencies up to around 13 MHz. There has been some development and frequency up to approximately 5 GHz using GaAs MESFET transistors. .a-rt ^. ^^. a-iil.a Significantly, an extremely wide range of RF can be used to power the lamp of the present invention. Its operation has been demonstrated from some KHz to many GHz and beyond. In addition, the lamp of the present invention can be operated over a wide range of lamp power. The only significant practical limitations on the amount of power applied to the lamp are the availability of sources! of RF energy effective in terms of costs and certain considerations regarding maintaining the temperature of the bulb within a suitable operating window. Examples of Oscillator and Lamps Systems Figure 210 is a perspective view with its parts detached from the first example of a high-intensity lamp. brightness according to the present invention. A lamp head 820 is mounted on an oscillator board 822. The suitable dielectric material 824 is placed between a high voltage pin of the lamp head 820 and an oscillator board pad 822. The 822 oscillator board] is connects mechanically and electrically to a metal plate 826, hereinafter referred to as a diffuser plate 826. A ground plate of the lamp head 820 is mechanically and electrically connected to a pad connected to a tie on the oscillator board 822. A perimeter portion of the lamp head 820 also connects mechanical and T ^^^^^ Mj ^^^^^^^^^^^ g ^^^^ electrically to the diffuser plate 826. The lamp head 820 and the oscillator board 822 is enclosed by a first thermal sink 828 and a second thermal sink 830. This power was named to the oscillator board 822 from 5 an insulated pin 832 and a ground pin 834. The head of lamp 820 is constructed as described in detail in section 4.1.8.1 above with respect to Figures 89-94. As illustrated in Figure 210, the lamp head 820 omits the projecting flange optional. The oscillator board 822 is constructed as described in detail in section 4.3 above with respect to Figures 208-209, except for the addition of the ground pad and the power supply pad for connecting to the lamp head 820. Figure 211 is a schematic view with its parts detached from the first example illustrating various details of the assembly. The oscillator board 822 is secured to the thermal sink 830 by the fasteners 836 (eg, bolts or threads). The 828 thermal sink is secured to the thermal sink 830 by the RF sealant adhesive 838 and the fasteners 840. A power cord 842 is connected to the power pins 832 and 834. An optional 844 fastener can be used to provide strain relief for the cord. of power 842. 25 Figure 212 is a schematic view with 'its detached parts of the first example illustrating the details of the assembly for an end plate 846. The end plate 846 is secured to the thermal basins 828 and 830 with an RF sealant adhesive. Figures 213 and 214 are schematic views of the complete assembly of the first example. Figure 215 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 215-215 in Figure 213. In general, the lamp of the present invention is configured to contain the RF fields generated therein. The line of power is filtered, the metal housings are used with openings constructed below the recess, and packing is employed between the surfaces. The packaging comprises glues, compressible rope strips, resistant films and associated mechanical designs to restrict the RF current flow and associated coupling / radiation. Figure 216 is a schematic view of the oscillator board 822 and a diffuser plate 826. Figure 217 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 217-217 in Figure 216. A notch 848 is formed in the diffuser plate 826 for restricting heat transfer from the lamp head 820 to the oscillator circuitry. The oscillator board 822 includes a recess section 850 and the diffuser plate 826 includes a corresponding depression 852 wherein the active element of the oscillator is directly connects to ground to the diffuser plate 826. The Figure 218 is a schematic view of the lamp head 820 mounted on the oscillator board 822 and the diffuser board 826, the oscillator board 822 having suitable electrical components, such as those described in connection with Figure 208-209 in the section 4.3 above. 4.4.1. Rake Oscillator Board Figure 219 is a schematic view of an alternative structure for the diffuser plate 826. Figure 220 is a schematic view of the oscillator board 822 mounted on the alternative diffuser plate. Figure 221 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 221-221 in Figure 220. As shown in Figures 219-221, the diffuser plate is provided with an opening 862 and the oscillating board 822 is the diffuser sheet is secured with a portion of the draw board over, the opening 862. The lamp head, which includes the capacitor stack, is connected to the oscillator board in the lift portion. As shown in Figure 221, the oscillator board can be bent in the area of the lamp head connection. As described in section 4.1.8.1 and 4.1.8? .3, a capacitor stack of the dielectric and conductive plates is placed between the lamp head and the PCB. Different materials are used there that may have different m FaísA coefficients of thermal expansion. For example, the dielectric material can be either rigid (like glass or ceramic) or soft (like plastic). The connection from the stack to the other elements is typically done with a solder! 5 lead tip that can be characterized as a plastic material and at the operating temperatures of the lamp. As the lamp head heats up, it expands to a greater range than the capacitor's battery. Also, if the capacitor stack is compressed by a preload in the assembly, high stresses can be generated within the rigid materials while the deformations are generated in the plastic materials (which can alleviate some of the previous load). During the thermal cycle of the lamp, the battery assembly may suffer shear stresses that can lead to degradation or failure through pile lamination. According to the present aspect of the invention, the lamp assembly is configured so that the PCB can be bent in the lamp head area in a manner that can be housed without causing the failure of the unit a certain amount of movement generated by the different thermal expansion regimes. Figure 222 is a schematic diagram of an alternative preferred printed circuit board scheme for the 822 oscillator board. In the preferred scheme, the Ground pad on the oscillator board is removed and the ground plate on the lamp head is connected directly to the diffuser plate. 4.4.2. Separate Lamp Head Housing 5 Figure 223 is a perspective view of a housing of the lamp head. The accommodation includes the 864 and 866 thermal pools that are relatively shorter compared to the 828 and 830 thermal pools. RF power is provided to the lamp head through a coaxial cable 868 from any suitable source of RF energy. Advantageously, the lamp head assembly is smaller and can be located away from the RF source. Figures 224-226 are schematic views of various details of the assembly for housing the head of separate lamp. Figure 227 is a schematic view with its parts detached from the lamp head / power feeder assembly. The lamp head 870 is mounted on the power supply assembly 872. It is places a capacitor assembly 874 between a high voltage plate of the lamp head 870 and the high voltage pillow 876 of the power supply assembly 872. Figures 228-230 are schematic views of various details of the assembly of the head assembly. lamp / power feeder.

Figure 231 is a schematic view with its parts detached from the power supply assembly 872. A power supply printed circuit board 878 is connected electrically and mechanically to a diffuser plate 880. The diffuser plate 880 is formed with a notch 882 configured to receive an 884 conductor grounded to a coaxial cable 886 and to place suitably a central conductor 888 of the coaxial cable on the high-voltage pad 876 of the circuit board 878 printed power supply. A bracket 889 secures the coaxial cable 886 to the diffuser plate 880 through the bracket 890 (for example a bolt or a thread). Figures 232-234 are schematic views of various details of the assembly of the power supply assembly 872. Figures 110 and 111 are schematic views of opposite sides of an exemplary capacitor assembly 874. As described in section 4.1.8, capacitor assembly 874 is of suitable dielectric material and suitable thickness also to provide desired capacitance. How I know shown in Figures 110-111, the capacitor assembly | 874 is laminated with conductive pads and provided with holes for alignment with the power supply assembly 872. An alternative preferred construction of the stack of the capacitor according to the invention is shown in Figures 235-239. The power supply assembly comprises a single-sided printed circuit board 871 with a power supply pad 873 on one side and a bonding adhesive 871a on the other side for gluing the board to the diffuser plate 880. The capacitor, high voltage comprises a single-sided circuit board 875 having a conductive pad 371 as described above in section 4.1.8.3 with respect to Figure 120 on one side and bonding with adhesive 875a on the other to join the capacitor assembly to the power supply assembly. This alternative preferred construction eliminates a number of welded layers in the capacitor stack. Compared with the previous constructions, this preferred construction decreases the arc formation by using a minimum number of well-constructed welding posts. Figures 238-239 show an alternative preferred arrangement for a single-sided printed circuit board 877 with a power pad 879 on one side. Figure 240 is a schematic view with its parts detached from the lamp head. An opening cup 892 (enclosing a bulb) is inserted into an opening in the lamp head 870. Figures 241-242 are schematic views of the lamp head from opposite sides. Figure 243 is a cross-sectional view -teag ..- .. a ^ M = taken along line 243-243 in Figure 242. Figure 244 is a schematic view of one side of the lamp head that is mounted to the power supply assembly 872. power. As shown in Figures 240-244, the opening cup 892 is placed on the lamp head with the bulb aligned with the ring-shaped coil. The opening cup 892 is secured in this position with a high temperature adhesive 894 on the outside of the lamp head 870. Securing the opening cup 892 from the outside of the lamp head 870 assists in the thermal control of the lamp . The lamp head 870 has a high voltage plate 896 and the ground plates 898 which are electrically connected to the high voltage pad 876 and the diffuser plate 880, respectively, of power supply assembly 872. 4.4.3 Processes for welding the lamp head as an example Any number of techniques can be used to make an electrical connection between the lamp head assembly and printed board circuits ( PCB) / diffuser plate. Preferably, the lamp head has a Babbit metal coating applied to the high voltage pad and the ground pads to assist welding and mechanical attachment to the PCB assembly. The lamp head connection pads, from preference is given to a jet of grit just before the spraying of the Babbit metal coating. A method according to the invention is to place the solder of the desired connection area and then heat the lamp head and the PCB assembly to approximately 200 ° C, for example, with a heat plate. The lamp head is then manually placed in the proper location and the parts are cooled together to form a joint. Another exemplary method for forming an electrical connection between the lamp head and the PCB assembly is as follows. The welding is applied to the lamp head and / or the PCB assembly beforehand. The lamp head is placed on the PCB assembly and a high amperage current through the lamp head and the PCB assembly in the area of the lamp head connection. High temperatures are generated in the contact areas, which causes the previously applied solder to melt. The current is then removed and forms a joint as the parts cool. For example, a jaw attachment is used that holds the lamp head and the PCB assembly together. The jaw attachments include carbon electrodes arranged in opposite fora through which current is passed! from high amperage. The current heats the carbon electrodes which in turn heat the PCB assembly and the lamp head. This method has the advantage that it heats only a portion of the PCB assembly, thereby preventing the solder from flowing back onto other parts of the PCB assembly. This method is also faster since only a portion of the PCB assembly needs to be heated. 4.4.4 Improved weldability inserts In accordance with a present aspect of the invention, the lamp head includes conductive inserts in the area or areas of the high-voltage pad and / or the ground pads that improve the susceptibility to be welded. compared to integral aluminum pads. Preferably the insert is selected from materials that do not melt in the presence of molten aluminum. More preferably, the selected material will form a metallurgical ligature between the insert and the aluminum portion of the lamp head. Likewise, the selected material preferably exhibits the susceptibilities of being welded in an improved manner for connection to the copper areas on the PCB assembly. For example, suitable materials include nickel, nickel plated with platinum and nickel alloys with a small amount (for example less than about 25%) of iron.

Figure 245 is a schematic top view! of a lamp head 950 according to the invention. Figure 246 is a schematic front view of the lamp head 950. The lamp head 950 includes an insert 951 5 in an area of a high voltage pad of the lamp head 950 and the inserts 952a, 952b, and 952c in the respective areas of the ground pads of the lamp head 950. As described above, the head of 950 lamp is formed in an integral way through a process of vacuum injection molding. The mold, the BN insert and / or the silicon carbide preform are adapted to retain the pad inserts in position during the molding process. Figure 247 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the insert 951 placed in a mold 954 prior to infiltration of the aluminum. The insert 951 is also placed by the insert BN 956. For the insert 951 of high voltage pad, one end of the insert 951 will make the connection electric with the 958 bolt (s) that are connected to the excitation coil. The lamp head 950 can be machined, for example, along line 960-960 to expose an inner portion of the pad material. Figure 248 is a cross-sectional view fragmented enlarged insert 952a placed in the mold 954 before infiltrating the aluminum. The insert 952a is held in place by the silicon carbide preform 962. The inserts 951 and 952a-c may be of any suitable shape and may be of uniform longitudinal cross section. Alternatively, the inserts may have a non-uniform longitudinal cross-section to aid retention during the molding process and / or in the finished integrated lamp head. Figures 249-251 are schematic and perspective views, respectively, of an insert with shortened end segments 964 i. Figures 252-254 are schematic and perspective views, respectively of an insert with the holes 966. Figure 255 is a perspective view of an insert with the notches 968. 4.4.5 Separate RF sources Figure 256 is a perspective view of a preferred RF source 900 for the separate lamp head described above with respect to Figures 223-255, an RF power supply is housed in a housing 902 which is secured to a thermal sink 904 by the fasteners 906. A coaxial connector 908 is also mounted to the thermal sink 904. Figure 257 is a schematic view with its parts detached from the RF source 900. As shown | a ^^ | ^^ in Figure 257, the RF source 900 includes a control circuit 910, an oscillator assembly 912, and a circulator 914, connected as described below. Figure 258 is a schematic diagram of a power connection for the RF source 900. The power is provided to the RF source 900 through a filter assembly 916, whose tip 'is connected to ground to the thermal sink 904 and the other provides DC power. Figure 259 is a partial cross-sectional view of the power filter assembly 916. A capacitor 918, a through voltage suppressor 920 and a resistor 922 are connected in parallel between a DC supply voltage and ground. For example, capacitor 918 has a value of about 1000 μF and a range of 50 V, the voltage suppressor 920 is a Motorola P6KE27A, and the resistor has a value of about 6.6K ohms with a range of about 1/4 watt. 4.4.6 Oscillator Control Circuits Figures 260-262 are block-level schematic diagrams for various RF circuits that power a lamp according to the present invention. In the lamp of the present invention, especially when a filling of indium halide only is used, the state of the cold lamp turned on has a significantly different electrical condition (for example impedance). j | ^^^ ect comparison with the hot state on of the lamp. In order to improve the start of operation of the lamp, it is therefore preferred to provide a plurality of tuning states corresponding to various parameters 5 of the lamp. These parameters include, for example, the light output level, the RV power reflection and the color of the light. A characteristic of the oscillator described in section 4.3 is that the oscillator frequency described in section 4.3 is that the frequency of the oscillation can be tuned to adjust a capacitor value. In accordance with the present aspect of the invention, a control circuit is provided for interrupting the value of the capacitor in order to provide a desired frequency of oscillation. The value of the capacitor can be interrupted, for example, by providing a varactor diode in series with the capacitor tuner, providing two tuner capacitors in series with each other that both are interrupted to turn on or off with a pin diode, and two capacitors tuners in parallel to each other being driven by a pin diode. The control circuit may include, for example, a time regulator circuit based on the operational characteristics of the observed lamp, a DC input current monitor, a light level output monitor, and a Rp reflected frequency monitor. Figure 260 is a diagram of a circuit of | RF including a control circuit 924 that provides a control signal to an oscillator 929. The output of the oscillator 926 is directed though to a circulator 928 to a lamp 930 with RF power. In control circuit 924, 'the control signal is provided independently! of any feedback from the rest of the circuit. For example, the control circuit 924 comprises a timer circuit configured to provide a suitable control signal based on time intervals from the time the lamp is turned on. The time intervals are based on, for example, an empirical observation of the performance of the lamp. Figure 261 is a diagram of an RF circuit that includes a control circuit 932 that provides a control signal to an oscillator 926. The output of the oscillator 926 is directed through a circulator 928 to a lamp 930 of RF power. In control circuit 932, the control signal is provided based on the feedback received from the circulator. For example, the control circuit monitors the reflected RF power and adjusts the frequency of the oscillator to have a minimum amount of reflected RF power.

Figure 262 is a diagram of an RF circuit that includes a control circuit 934 that provides a control signal to an oscillator 926. The output of the oscillator 926 is directed though a circulator 928 to a lamp 930 of 5. RF power. In the control circuit 934, the control signal is provided based on the feedback received from the lamp, for example, an optical detector 936 (for example a photodetector) is placed on a light output of the monitor or light to detect color of the the light . The circle Control 10 monitors the measured quantity and adjusts the frequency of the oscillator accordingly. Figure 263 is a schematic diagram of a preferred RF circuit according to the invention. (A timer circuit 942 provides control signals for adjust the frequency of an oscillator 944. An output of the oscillator 934 is provided to a circulator 946. The output 'of the circulator 946 is connected to the center conductor of a coaxial connector 948. The circulator is a non-reciprocal device that reduces the effects of the lamp load and its changing impedances on the power, frequency, voltages and oscillator currents. The circulator improves the ability to perform tuning of the oscillator. Based on empirical observations, the lamp of the present invention worked better with two states of tuning. The oscillator board is constructed as described in relation to Figures 208-209, except that a varactor diode D2 is connected in series with the tuner capacitor C14. When the varactor diode is off ,! the frequency of the oscillator is adjusted to be somewhat less (corresponding to a first tuning state) compared to the frequency of the oscillator when, the varactor diode is on (corresponding to a second tuning state). The first tuning state is preferred although the lamp is being turned on and during the static state operation. The second tuning state is preferred after the lamp has been turned on but before the lamp reaches full output (also referred to as travel). The timer circuit is configured to start a first timekeeper when the lamp is turned on. Initially, the varactor diode is off and the lamp operates in the first tuning state. After an adequate period elapsed for 'the lamp to turn on (based on empirical observation), the first timekeeper stops working and the timer circuit turns on the varactor diode to operate the oscillator at the second tuning state. The timer circuit operates a second timekeeper that allows an appropriate period to pass. After the second timekeeper stops working, the varactorl diode shuts off and the lamp operates in the static state in the first tuning state. Figure 264 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary printed circuit scheme for the oscillator board described with reference to Figures 263.1. Figure 265 is a schematic diagram of a timer circuit according to the invention. The Ul integrated circuit is a logical gate device with 2 quad outputs. The timekeeper intervals are determined by the decay of several capacitive elements. Alternatively, each control circuit 924, 932, and 934 may comprise a circuit based on a microprocessor or a microcontroller programmed to provide a control signal for adjusting the frequency of the oscillator. For example, a timer circuit is easily implemented using a microcontroller. The feedback from the circulator and / or the detector feedback described above can be provided as information for the microcontroller. The microcontroller can use the information in an algorithm (for example a frequency dispersion technique) to determine if the frequency needs to be adjusted. For example, the microcontroller can make small adjustments periodically to the frequency and determine the effect on the performance of the lamp according to the information | of feedback. Such techniques provide tuning! Real-time automatic oscillator frequency. Other types of feedback can also be used (for example, a bidirectional coupler). Although the invention has been described with respect to specific examples, the invention is not limited thereto. Based on the drawings, the detailed description and the teachings set forth herein, experts in the art will devise numerous different examples. The above examples should be considered as illustrative only, the scope and spirit of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Claims (81)

1. CLAIMS 1. An inductively coupled electrodeless lamp characterized in that it comprises: a cover comprising a filling, the filling 5 forms a plasma discharge when excited; an excitation coil positioned close to the cover, the excitation coil has an effective electrical length that is less than half a wavelength than a drive frequency applied thereto; and a source of high frequency power connected to the excitation coil, the high frequency power source being configured to provide power to the excitation coil at the driving frequency, the driving frequency being greater than 100 MHz, where the excitation coil is configured to inductively couple the power to the excited plasma.
2. 2. The lamp without electrodes coupled inductively in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the effective electrical length of the 20 excitation coil is less than a quarter of length! cool .
3. 3. The lamp without electrodes coupled inductively in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the effective electrical length of the 25 excitation coil is less than one eighth of length of wave
4. 4. Inductively coupled lamp without electrodes according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive frequency is greater than about 300 MHz.
5. 5. The lamp without electrodes housed inductively in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the drive frequency is greater than about 500 MHz.
6. 6. Inductively coupled electrodeless lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive frequency is greater than about 700 MHz.
7. 7. Inductively coupled electrodeless lamp in accordance with claim 1 , characterized in that the drive frequency is greater than about 900 MHz.
8. 8. The electrodeless lamp inductively coupled in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the high frequency power source comprises a solid state high frequency power source. .
9. 9. The lamp without electrodes coupled inductively in accordance with the claim | 1, further characterized in that it comprises a resonant coupling circuit in series for coupling the high frequency power source to the excitation coil.
10. The inductively coupled electrodeless lamp according to claim i 9, characterized in that the series resonant coupling circuit comprises the excitation coil, a series resonant capacitor, a low inductive power feeder connected to receive the power from the high frequency power source and supply power to the resonant capacitor in series, and a conductive surface, of lower inductance, relative to the power feeder connected between the series and ground resonant capacitor.
11. 11. The inductively coupled electrodeless lamp according to claim 10, characterized in that the smaller inductance conducting surface comprises a diving board structure.
12. 12. The inductively coupled electrodeless lamp according to claim 11, characterized in that the series resonant capacitor is formed between a portion of the diving board and a portion of the excitation coil, wherein the portion of the diving board provides a first electrode of the series resonant capacitor and the portion of the excitation coil provides a second electrode of the resonant capacitor, in series, and wherein the dielectric element is provided between - •. »- ^ p ^ ¿« ^. the first electrode and the second electrode.
13. 13. The lamp without electrodes coupled inductively according to claim 9, characterized in that the resonant coupling circuit in 5 series comprises a conductive low inductance surface connected to receive the power from the high frequency power source.
14. 14. The lamp without electrodes inductively collected in accordance with claim 13, 10 characterized in that the low conductive inductance surface comprises a pallet structure.
15. 15. The lamp without electrodes inductively coupled according to claim 14, characterized in that the series resonant circuit includes 15 a first capacitor formed between a first portion of the vane and a first portion of the excitation coil and a second capacitor formed between a second portion of the vane and a second portion of the excitation coil, wherein the first dielectric element is provided between 'the The first portion of the vane and the first portion of the excitation coil and a second dielectric element is provided between the second portion of the vane and the second portion of the excitation coil.
16. 16. The lamp without electrodes coupled inductively in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the excitation coil comprises a semi-cylindrical, substantially non-helical conducting surface having less than one turn.
17. 17. The electrodeless lamp inductively coupled according to claim 16, characterized in that the conductive surface comprises a ring shape.
18. 18. The inductively coupled electrodeless lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a conductive surface connected to ground separated from and radially surrounding the excitation coil by at least 180 degrees.
19. 19. The lamp without electrodes inductively coupled according to claim 18, characterized in that the conductive surface connected to earth comprises a chimney pipe.
20. The electrodeless lamp inductively coupled according to claim 18, characterized in that the conductive surface connected to ground is separated from the excitation coil by a distance corresponding to that between about half and one diameter of the coil of excitation, and where the conductive surface connected to ground extends axially above and below the coil of 22 excitation, respectively, by a distance corresponding to between about half and a diameter of the excitation coil.
21. 21. The lamp without electrodes inductively coupled according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a thermal pool in thermal contact with the excitation coil substantially substantially all the external surface of the excitation coil.
22. 22. The inductively coupled electrodeless lamp according to claim 21, characterized in that the thermal sink comprises a thermally conductive ceramic element having a relatively low dielectric constant.
23. 23. The lamp without electrodes coupled inductively in accordance with claim 22, characterized in that the thermally conductive ceramic element comprises boron nitride.
24. 24. The inductively coupled electrodeless lamp according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises an integrated lamp head formed of a mixed metal matrix material comprising an insulating ceramic element, wherein the insulating ceramic element includes an internal surface and the excitation coil is formed integrally on the internal surface of the insulating ceramic element. ^^^^ li jtó ^^^^^ ^^^^^
25. 25. The lamp without electrodes collected inductively in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the filling comprises one of sulfur, selenium, and a mixture of sulfur and selenium.
26. 26. The lamp without electrodes inductively coupled according to claim 1, characterized in that the filling consists essentially of selenium, a cesium halide and a noble gas.
27. 27. The lamp without electrodes inductively coupled according to claim 1, characterized in that the filling consists essentially of indium halide, cesium halide and a noble gas.
28. 28. The lamp without electrodes housed inductively in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the filling essentially consists of a praseodinium halide, an indium halide and a noble gas.
29. 29. The lamp without electrodes inductively coupled according to claim 1, characterized in that the filling consists essentially of indium halide and a noble gas.
30. 30. An excitation coil for an inductively coupled electrodeless lamp, the excitation coil comprises a semicylindrical conductive surface, substantially non-helical having less than one turn.
31. 31. The excitation coil according to claim 30, characterized in that the conductive surface comprises a ring shape.
32. 32. The excitation coil according to claim 30, characterized in that the conductive surface has a relatively thin radial thickness and an axial height at least greater than the radial thickness.
33. 33. The excitation coil according to claim 32, characterized in that the axial height is between about one third and about two thirds of a diameter of the conductive surface.
34. 34. An excitation coil for an inductively coupled electrodeless lamp, characterized in that the excitation coil comprises a conductive surface having an excitation portion in the form of a ring and a first and second bent points tangential to the excitation portion and parallel each other, the conductive surface has a cross-sectional shape that generally corresponds to the Greek letter omega.
35. 35. An excitation coil for an inductively coupled electrodeless lamp, characterized in that the excitation coil comprises one or more conductive surfaces configured to provide at least two current circuits, wherein at least two current circuits are separated from and substantially parallel and in phase with each other. H & amp; jky?
36. 36. The excitation coil according to claim 35, characterized in that one or more conductive surfaces are configured to provide two semicircular current circuits, the two semicircular current circuits being substantially parallel. each other and have substantially the same axis and diameter, wherein the two current circuits are separated by a height which is approximately 40 to 60% of the diameter of the two semicircular current circuits.
37. 37. The excitation coil according to claim 35, characterized in that one or more conductive surfaces comprises a single non-helical semicylindrical surface having less than one turn.
38. 38. The excitation coil according to claim 35, characterized in that one or more conductive surfaces comprise two non-helical semi-cylindrical surfaces each having less than one turn.
39. 39. The excitation coil according to claim 38, characterized in that two surfaces 20 non-helical semi-cylinders are connected in parallel.
40. 40. An excitation structure for an inductively coupled electrodeless lamp, characterized in that the excitation structure comprises two excitation coils connected in parallel, separated from each other and 25 substantially parallel to each other.
41. 41. The excitation structure according to claim 40, characterized in that two excitation coils are separated from one another by a distance approaching a Helmholtz configuration.
42. 42 An integrated lamp head for an electrodeless lamp inductively coupled, the integrated lamp head is characterized in that it comprises: a mixed housing of metal matrix; an insulating ceramic element enclosed by the metal matrix housing, the insulating ceramic element has an internal surface; and an excitation structure integrally formed on the inner surface of the insulating ceramic element.
43. 43. The integrated lamp head according to claim 42, characterized in that the excitation structure formed integrally comprises an excitation coil.
44. 44. The integrated lamp head according to claim 42, characterized in that the excitation structure formed integrally comprises a ring-shaped excitation coil.
45. 45. The integrated lamp head according to claim 42, characterized in that the excitatively formed excitation structure comprises a cross-sectional shape generally corresponding to the Greek letter omega.
46. 46. The integrated lamp head according to claim 42, characterized in that the excitation structure integrally formed comprises a 5 connection previously formed from an outer portion of the integrated lamp head to the excitation structure.
47. 47. An oscillator characterized in that it comprises: an amplifier having an input and an output; and an impedance transformation network connected between the amplifier input and the amplifier output: wherein the impedance transformation network is configured to provide adequate positive feedback from the output of the amplifier to the input of the amplifier. 15 amplifier for initiating and sustaining an oscillatory condition, and wherein the impedance transformation network is configured to protect the amplifier input against a destructive feedback signal.
48. 48. The oscillator according to claim 47, characterized in that a load is connected to the output of the amplifier and because the impedance transformation network is configured to protect the input of the amplifier against the signal of the amplifier. 25 destructive feedback as the load varies from a low impedance to a high impedance.
49. 49. The oscillator according to claim 48, characterized in that the impedance transformation network is configured to protect 5 the input of the amplifier against the destructive feedback signal as the load varies from a short circuit to an open circuit.
50. 50. The oscillator according to claim 47, characterized in that the network of The impedance transformation comprises only microtiter transmission lines, stops, and non-inductive elements.
51. 51. The oscillator according to claim 47, characterized in that the impedance transformation network comprises transmission lines. 15 microtira, stops and capacitor elements.
52. 52. The oscillator according to claim 51, characterized in that it comprises a tuning circuit having microtire transmission lines connected to the amplifier input, wherein the output 20 of the amplifier produces an RF output voltage having an oscillatory frequency with a third harmonic thereof, and wherein a sum of the line lengths of the tuning circuit transmission is approximately half wavelength of the third harmonic of the frequency 25 oscillatory.
53. 53. The oscillator according to claim 47, characterized in that the destructive feedback signal comprises a high voltage and 'wherein the impedance transformation network is configured to prevent high voltage developing at the output of the amplifier.
54. 54. The oscillator according to claim 53, characterized in that the impedance transformation network is further configured to transform the high voltage on the output side of the amplifier to a high current on the input side of the amplifier.
55. 55. The oscillator according to claim 47, characterized in that the impedance transformation network comprises dual feedback circuits.
56. The oscillator according to claim 55, characterized in that the dual feedback circuits are substantially symmetric.
57. 57. The oscillator according to claim 56, characterized in that the feedback duajles circuits are coupled to match the stops at the input of the amplifier.
58. 58. The oscillator according to claim 47, characterized in that the amplifier - £ G tm & it comprises an individual active element that provides an output signal having an output power in excess of 10.
59. 59. The oscillator according to claim 58, characterized in that the oscillator exhibits an efficiency greater than 50%.
60. 60. The oscillator according to claim 47, characterized in that it comprises an output impedance matching circuit having a first end connected to the output of the amplifier and a high impedance end coupled to the impedance transformation network.
61. 61. The oscillator according to claim 60, characterized in that the output of the amplifier produces an RF output voltage and wherein 'the output impedance matching circuit comprises stops configured to limit a voltage reflected on the high impedance end. at most the double 'of the RF output voltage from the output of the amplifier.
62. 62. A cased lamp bulb cover, characterized in that it comprises: a ceramic cup having an open end and a partially closed end, the partially closed end arresting an opening; a lamp bulb placed inside the ceramic cup resting on the opening: and a reflective ceramic material that covers at least partially a portion of the bulb without leaning on the opening.
63. 63. The capped lamp bulb cover according to claim '62, characterized in that the reflective ceramic material substantially fills an internal volume of the ceramic cup not occupied by the bulb.
64. 64. The capped lamp bulb cover according to claim 62, characterized in that the ceramic cup comprises a structural feature to assist in aligning the lamp-capped lamp cover in a lamp.
65. 65. The encaged lamp bulb cover according to claim 64, characterized in that the structural feature comprises a provided adapted to coincide with a slot in the lamp.
66. 66. The capped lamp bulb cover according to claim 64, characterized in that the structural feature comprises an Index device adapted to match a corresponding feature in the lamp.
67. 67. The lamp bulb cover - ^^ t ^ a ^? ^ ^ S / ^^^ ^ aLA? jammed according to claim 64, characterized in that the structural feature comprises an edge adapted to coincide with a corresponding shoulder in the lamp.
68. 68. The encapsulated lamp bulb cover according to claim 64, characterized in that the structural feature comprises a raised portion on an outer part of the ceramic cup in the area of the opening, the raised portion being adapted to be easily reached for place the ceramic cup.
69. 69. The capped lamp bulb cover according to claim 62, characterized in that the ceramic cup comprises an external flange around a periphery thereof.
70. 70. The encaged lamp bulb cover according to claim 69, characterized in that the flange is located near the open end of the ceramic cup.
71. 71. The encaged lamp bulb cover according to claim 69, characterized in that the flange is located near the partially closed extrusion of the ceramic cup.
72. 72. The encapsulated lamp bulb cover according to claim 62, characterized in that the ceramic cup comprises at least one position of the conductive element partially embedded in the ceramic cup to assist in lighting the lamp.
73. 73. A cased lamp bulb cover, characterized in that it comprises: a ceramic cup having an open end and a closed end; a ceramic washer covering the open end of the ceramic cup, the washer defining an opening through it; a lamp bulb placed inside the ceramic cup resting on the opening; and a reflective ceramic material that fills an internal volume of the ceramic cup not occupied by the bulb.
74. 74. A method for packaging a cased lamp bulb cover of the type comprising a ceramic cup with a lamp bulb disposed therein, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: filling the ceramic cup with a flowable slurry of material reflective and applying a centrifugal force to the cup to compact the reflective material therein.
75. 75 A lamp apparatus characterized in that it comprises: a discharge lamp; an RF power source connected to the discharge lamp to provide RF power at a drive frequency; and a control circuit for controlling the drive frequency of the RF power source.
76. 76. The lamp apparatus according to claim 75, characterized in that the control circuit is configured to set the drive frequency according to a plurality of tuning states of the discharge lamp.
77. 77. The lamp apparatus according to claim 75, characterized in that the discharge lamp operates in a first state of tuning during the ignition of the lamp and a second state of tuning during the operation of the lamp, and wherein the circuit The control comprises a timer circuit which sets the drive frequency according to the first tuning state for a predetermined period and subsequently sets the drive frequency according to the second tuning state.
78. 78. The lamp apparatus according to claim 75, characterized in that it comprises a detector for detecting an operating parameter of the lamp, wherein the detector is configured to provide a signal to the lamp. a »A« »control circuit according to the detected parameter.
79. 79. The lamp apparatus according to claim 78, characterized in that the operating parameter of the lamp comprises one of a level of light output, a reflection of RF power, and a color of the light.
80. 80. The lamp apparatus in accordance with, claim 78, characterized in that the detector comprises a photodetector positioned to receive light from the discharge lamp, and wherein the operating parameter of the lamp comprises one of the light output level and a light color.
81. 81. The lamp apparatus according to claim 78, characterized in that the detector comprises a circulator connected between the RF power source and the discharge lamp, and wherein the operating parameter of the lamp corresponds to a power reflection of RF