How Plasma Energy Lamps Work

History

Plasma energy lamps are commonly used for decoration, to create different lighting effects, and as demonstration of the physical characteristics of electric currents. The concept, for the plasma lamp was first patented by Nikola Tesla in 1894. The patent was for the incandescent electric light, which was discovered through experimentation with mixing high-frequency current into low-pressure gases.

The plasma lamp became popular in 1980's after Bill Parker patented the current, more colorful version which commonly uses xenon, krypton and neon gases. The general mechanism of action for plasma lamps involves the interaction of low-pressure gaseous mixtures with a high-frequency current.

Construction and Mechanism of Action

The plasma lamp is constructed with a small glass orb in the center of the lamp. The small glass orb contains a gaseous mixture, helium/neon or krypton/xenon at low pressures. Inside the orb is a small electrode which has plasma filaments extending from the electrode to the outer glass structure. The electrode begins to ionize the gaseous mixture when the lamp is powered. The ionizing of the gases induces various light colored beams to discharge and extend the full length of the plasma filaments.

Initially the colored beams stay on the path of the plasma filaments, but soon they begin to move away from the patterns due to heat or mass transfer. Examples of this would be placing a hand on the lamp or high levels of activity in close proximity to the lamp. When the lamp is touched, the high frequency electric field is altered which causes the beams to migrate towards point of contact or activity.

Potential Hazards

It's important not to place electronic devices on or near a plasma lamp. This can cause the glass to become very hot and the creation of dangerous level static charge. The high-frequency electric field, produced by plasma lamps, can potentially interfere with the normal operations of electronic devices such as laptop computers, digital players and cell phones. Placement of metal objects on or in close proximity to a plasma lamps creates the danger of high shock or burning.

Resources

• Plasm Lamp Facts and Discussion Forum