amalgamlampen

Amalgamlampen, or amalgam lamps, describe a class of electric lamps that use a mercury amalgam as a stabilizing component to regulate the mercury vapor pressure inside the discharge tube. The central idea is to keep the vapor pressure of mercury more constant despite temperature changes, which helps maintain a steadier brightness and color output over the lamp’s operating range.

In several fluorescent and high-intensity discharge lamp families, an amalgam capsule contains a mercury–alloy. When the lamp starts, the amalgam releases mercury to establish the working vapor pressure; as the lamp heats, the amalgam sequesters some mercury to prevent excessive pressure. This mechanism reduces color shift and lumen depreciation that would otherwise occur with temperature fluctuations, contributing to more predictable performance in outdoor, industrial, or long-running installations.

Advantages of amalgamlampen include improved color stability, higher and more consistent efficacy, and extended usable life under varying operating conditions. Disadvantages include increased manufacturing complexity and cost, as well as environmental considerations associated with mercury use. With the broad adoption of light-emitting diodes in general lighting, the prominence of amalgam-based lamps has declined for many applications, though the technology remains in use in some niches of fluorescent and high‑intensity discharge lighting where stable color and performance across temperature ranges are valued.

Historically, amalgam regulation of mercury vapor emerged in the development of fluorescent and HID technologies in the late 20th century as engineers sought to reduce color shifts and improve reliability in challenging environments.