Could you make a fluorescent lamp with krypton?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter 00152
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Lamp
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of creating a fluorescent lamp using krypton instead of the more commonly used neon or mercury. Participants explore the principles behind lamp operation, including the importance of wavelength, and inquire about the necessary pressures and voltages for krypton lamps.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a fluorescent lamp can be made with krypton, emphasizing that the wavelength is not a primary concern for them.
  • Another participant asserts that wavelength is crucial, noting that mercury vapor is effective because it produces significant UV light, which excites phosphors to emit visible light.
  • A different participant suggests that neon and mercury lamps operate on similar principles, with different additives to adjust wavelengths, and seeks clarification on the properties and requirements of a krypton lamp.
  • It is pointed out that neon and mercury are not classified as fluorescent lamps but rather as discharge lamps, and that krypton discharge lamps are commercially available but expensive.
  • One participant humorously remarks on the high cost of krypton, referencing its potential use in a fictional context.
  • A participant asks about other uses for krypton, indicating interest in its applications beyond lighting.
  • A later post reiterates the initial question about the feasibility of a krypton fluorescent lamp and includes a link to a krypton arc laser, hinting at the differences between fluorescence and ionization.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility and principles of using krypton in fluorescent lamps, with no consensus reached on the topic. The discussion includes both technical clarifications and humorous asides, indicating a mix of serious inquiry and lighthearted commentary.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the distinction between fluorescent and discharge lamps, and there is an acknowledgment of the high cost associated with krypton. The discussion does not resolve the technical requirements or properties of a krypton lamp.

00152
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Could you make a fluorescent lamp with krypton instead of neon or mercury? The wavelength doesn't really matter its just if its actually possible and if it is what pressures and voltages should be used.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Wavelength absolutely matters. Mercury vapor is used because it produces a lot of UV light when excited by a current. The UV excites the powdered phosphors that coat the inside of the tube, which then glow with a spectrum that appears white to the eye. I don't think neon and krypton lamps do the same.
 
i meant it doesn't really matter to me, but think neon and mercury lights work on the same principal you just add differend additives to shift the wavelenghts. But my question was: if you can make a neon lamp /which you can/ how differend would be the properties and requirements of krypton lamp
 
Neon and mercury are not fluorescent lamps. They are discharge lamps. You can buy a krypton discharge lamp commercially. They are extremely expensive - as is krypton.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
You can buy a krypton discharge lamp commercially. They are extremely expensive - as is krypton.

Hey, money is no object when you are trying to kill superman. ;)
..
 
thanks...any other use for krypton?
 
00152 said:
Could you make a fluorescent lamp with krypton instead of neon or mercury? The wavelength doesn't really matter its just if its actually possible and if it is what pressures and voltages should be used.

Aside from the difference between fluorescence and ionization (arc lamps ionize the atoms)-

http://amglo.com/krypton_arc_laser.html
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Fluorescent lamps And Fan remote
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
An interesting GCSE question: Why are electric lamps connected in parallel in house wiring?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
851
Synthesis of Fluorescents AuNCs
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Experimental demonstration of an absorption spectrum
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
How to determine UV lamp dosage values of 10-20 mJ/cm2
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Undergrad Plasma ball radio-frequency energy
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
High School Wouldn't using AC to power a lamp result in flickering?
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
8K
Graduate Can Electrons in an Electrically Charged Gas Generate Voltage?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
Making a custom DIY light switch safe for home use
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Neon Indicator lamp replacement
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K