A plasma lamp apparatus. The apparatus can have a bulb coupled to at least the first end of a support member that is provided within a housing having an interior and exterior region. The housing can also have a first coupling member disposed within the housing, and a gap can be provided between the first coupling member and the support member. Additionally an rf source can be coupled to the support member. A fill material, which can include at least a first volume of a rare gas, a first amount of a first metal halide, a second amount of a second metal halide, and a third amount of mercury, can be spatially disposed within the bulb.