Lamps and Their Uses

Abstract

The design of a light source cannot be separated from its use. Increasingly in recent years has this fact influenced lamp development and research. Some of the factors of which account has to be taken in the evolution of new sources are mentioned. It is considered that the remarkably active phase of invention in the associated fields of metal vapour discharge lamps and fluorescent lamps is now merging into a period of consolidation characterised by the continuous improvement of existing types.

Following the basic classification used in the light source reports to the 1948 and 1951 Plenary Sessions of the C.I.E., certain special features of lamps for each group are described to illustrate their relation to user requirements. Mention is made of the special problems which arise in determining the optimum colour for fluorescent lamps for different uses.