neonlamp

Neonlamp refers to a type of gas-discharge lamp that uses a low-pressure neon gas to produce light. While often used interchangeably with "neon sign," a true neonlamp specifically utilizes pure neon gas, which emits a characteristic reddish-orange glow when an electric current passes through it.

The principle behind a neonlamp is the excitation of neon atoms. When an electric voltage is applied across the electrodes within the sealed glass tube containing neon gas, the electrons in the gas atoms are energized. As these electrons return to their normal energy levels, they release photons of light. Pure neon gas primarily emits light in the red-orange spectrum.

Historically, neonlamps were a popular choice for signage and decorative lighting due to their vibrant color and relatively long lifespan. However, the term "neon sign" has broadened to encompass signs that use other noble gases or mixtures of gases, often along with fluorescent coatings, to produce a wider range of colors. For example, argon gas with a mercury vapor coating can produce a blue light.

The development of neon lighting is attributed to Georges Claude, a French engineer, who demonstrated it at the Paris Motor Show in 1910. Its distinctive glow quickly made it a symbol of urban nightlife and advertising. Today, while still in use for specific aesthetic effects and historical reproductions, neonlamps and neon signs face competition from more energy-efficient technologies like LED lighting.