hehkulankoja

Hehkulankoja, often translated as "filament wires" or "incandescent filaments," refers to the thin strands of material within an incandescent light bulb that produce light when heated by an electric current. The most common material used for hehkulankoja is tungsten, chosen for its exceptionally high melting point and its ability to withstand high temperatures without vaporizing too quickly. When electricity passes through the tungsten filament, its electrical resistance causes it to heat up significantly, reaching temperatures around 2,500 to 3,000 degrees Celsius. This intense heat causes the filament to glow, emitting visible light in a process known as incandescence.

The design of the hehkulankoja is crucial for efficient light production and longevity. Early incandescent bulbs used straight filaments, but these were prone to breaking and had relatively short lifespans. The development of coiled filaments, known as coiled coils, significantly improved performance. A coiled filament is essentially a wire that has been wound into a helix, and then that helix has been wound into a larger helix. This coiling increases the length of the filament within a given space, allowing it to get hotter and emit more light for the same amount of energy. It also traps heat more effectively, reducing evaporation of the tungsten.

The environment surrounding the hehkulankoja within the bulb also plays a role. Most incandescent bulbs are filled with an inert gas, such as argon or nitrogen, or a mixture of both, to slow down the evaporation of the tungsten filament. This gas filling helps to extend the lifespan of the bulb. While incandescent technology is largely being phased out in favor of more energy-efficient alternatives like LEDs, the hehkulankoja remains a fundamental component of this historical lighting technology.