rørlampe

Rørlampe is a Danish term that translates to "tube lamp" or "fluorescent lamp." It refers to a type of electric lamp that uses a gas-discharge plasma to produce light. The gas inside the tube is typically a low-pressure mercury vapor. When an electric current is passed through the gas, it excites the mercury atoms, causing them to emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This UV radiation then strikes a phosphor coating on the inside of the glass tube, causing the coating to fluoresce and emit visible light.

Rørlamper were widely adopted for general illumination, particularly in commercial, industrial, and institutional settings, due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan compared to incandescent bulbs. They come in various lengths and wattages, and the color of the light produced can be adjusted by using different phosphor coatings. Common color temperatures range from warm white to cool white and daylight.

While still in use, rørlamper have seen a decline in popularity with the rise of more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly lighting technologies such as LED (light-emitting diode) lamps. However, they remain a significant part of lighting history and can still be found in many existing installations. Disposal of older rørlamper requires care due to the presence of mercury.