Compact Fluorescent Lamps

The development of very stable phosphors with a narrow band emission opened the way to a further miniaturization of the fluorescent lamps. A discussion is presented of the present possibilities to reduce lamp dimensions to a degree that makes them suitable for home lighting. Reduction of length is essential, and on the basis of experimental data the balance is considered between this desired reduction in length and the accompanying effects such as loss of efficacy and increase of ballast volume. This leads to an optimum discharge diameter, which is between 10 and 15 mm, depending on the level of luminous flux. Lamps with this diameter must be bent in order to arrive at an acceptable length. Two types of compact fluorescent lamps, designed for the home lighting area, are described. A few remarks are made about their possible applications and their economics.