Abstract:
A reflector (42) for use in a microwave excited ultraviolet lamp system (10) having a plasma lamp bulb (20). The reflector (42) includes a pair of longitudinally extending reflector panels (46) that are mounted in opposing, i.e., mirror facing relationship, and in space relationship to the plasma lamp bulb (20). A longitudinally extending intermediate member (52) is mounted in spaced relationship to the pair of reflector panels (46) and to the plasma lamp bulb (20). The reflector panels (46) and the intermediate member (52) form a pair of longitudinally extending slots (64) that are operable to pass air toward the plasma lamp bulb (20) to envelop the bulb (20) effectively entirely about its outer surface. Alternatively, the pair of reflector panels (46e) are connected to longitudinally extending edges (58e) of the intermediate member (52e). The intermediate member (52e) includes multiple apertures (78) formed therethrough that are operable to pass air toward the bulb (20) to envelope the bulb (20) effectively entirely about its outer surface. A method of cooling a plasma lamp bulb (20) in a microwave excited ultravoilet lamp system (10) is also disclosed.
Abstract:
An apparatus (10) for generating ultraviolet radiation includes a pair of magnetrons (12) coupled to a longitudinally extending microwave chamber (14) for generating standing microwave energy waves within the chamber (14). Microwave energy from the magnetrons (12) is directly coupled to the microwave chamber (14) without the use of coupling slots, antennas or other coupling structures. A longitudinally extending electrodeless plasma bulb (20) is mounted within the microwave chamber (14) and is operable to emit ultraviolet radiation (24) in response to excitation by the microwave energy generated by the pair of magnetrons (12). The microwave chamber (14) includes a pair of longitudinally extending tuning walls (42) positioned on opposite sides of the plasma lamp bulb (20) and capable of overlapping the standing microwave energy waves generally along the longitudinal length of the plasma bulb (20).