Lysstoffrør

Lysstoffrør, also known as fluorescent lamps, are a type of gas-discharge lamp that uses electricity to excite mercury vapor, which then produces short-wave ultraviolet light. This ultraviolet light is absorbed by a phosphor coating on the inside of the tube, which then emits visible light. Lysstoffrør are known for their energy efficiency and long lifespan, making them a popular choice for general lighting in both residential and commercial settings.

The basic structure of a lysstoffrør consists of a glass tube filled with a low-pressure mercury vapor and an inert gas, such as argon or krypton. The tube is sealed at both ends and contains electrodes at each end. When a voltage is applied across the electrodes, it ionizes the gas, creating a plasma that emits ultraviolet light. The phosphor coating on the inside of the tube converts this ultraviolet light into visible light.

Lysstoffrør are available in various shapes and sizes, including straight tubes, U-shaped tubes, and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). They are typically rated by their power consumption, measured in watts, and their color temperature, which determines the color of the light they produce. Lysstoffrør are also available in different color temperatures, ranging from warm white to cool white.

While lysstoffrør are energy-efficient and have a long lifespan, they do have some drawbacks. They contain mercury, which is a toxic substance, and proper disposal is necessary to prevent environmental contamination. Additionally, lysstoffrør can take several minutes to reach full brightness when turned on, and they may flicker or strobe at certain frequencies, which can be distracting or even harmful to some individuals.

In summary, lysstoffrør are a type of gas-discharge lamp that uses electricity to produce visible light by exciting mercury vapor and then converting the resulting ultraviolet light into visible light using a phosphor coating. They are known for their energy efficiency and long lifespan, but they also contain mercury and may have some drawbacks related to their operation.