kylmäkatodivaloputket

Kylmäkatodivaloputket, often abbreviated as CCFLs, are a type of cold cathode fluorescent lamp used for lighting. Unlike traditional hot cathode fluorescent lamps, CCFLs do not require a heated filament to initiate the discharge. Instead, a high voltage is applied across the gas-filled tube, causing a plasma to form. This plasma then emits ultraviolet (UV) light, which excites a phosphor coating on the inside of the tube. The phosphor coating then emits visible light.

CCFLs are known for their thin profile and relatively low power consumption, which made them popular for backlighting LCD screens in laptops and monitors for many years. They offer good color uniformity and a long lifespan. However, their brightness is generally lower than that of modern LED backlighting technologies. Another characteristic of CCFLs is that they require a high-voltage inverter to operate, which converts the DC power from the device into the AC voltage needed for the lamp.

The development of LEDs has largely replaced CCFLs in many applications due to advantages such as higher brightness, lower power consumption, better durability, and the absence of mercury, which is typically used in CCFLs. Despite this, CCFLs may still be found in some older electronic devices or specialized lighting applications where their specific properties are still advantageous.