Who Invented the First Fluorescent Light Bulb?
Fluorescent bulbs are more energy efficient and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. The result of a number of inventors, fluorescent bulbs have changed the future of energy-efficient lighting.
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Inspiration
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In the mid-19th century, French physicist Alexander Edmond Becquerel began studying the phenomenon of fluorescence. General Electric (GE) defines this phenomenon as the process whereby "an atom of a material absorbs a photon of light and immediately emits a photon of longer wavelength." Becquerel's study of fluorescence inspired him to attempt to utilize its effect as a lighting source. Though he was unsuccessful at creating a commercial product during his lifetime, Becquerel's work led to the creation of modern fluorescent lamps.
Success
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The first commercially successful fluorescent bulb was created in 1934 by George E. Inman and Richard N. Thayer of General Electric. GE began offering fluorescent bulbs for sale in 1938.
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How Fluorescents Work
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According to GE, fluorescent lamps work by utilizing an electric charge that travels through an inert gas and low pressure mercury vapor to create ultraviolet (UV) light. The inside of the glass tube that makes up the lamp is coated with a thin layer of phosphor material. The phosphor material is excited by the UV, creating a reaction that turns the UV into visible light.
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References
- Photo Credit single bulb 03 image by Krzysztof Szargiej from Fotolia.com
