Aug 15 2013
Plasma lamps can be described as gas lamps that are devoid of any electrode and energized by radio frequency. Unlike gaseous medium, plasma consists of free electrons which are energized by radio frequency.
The plasma lamp was invented by Nikola Tesla by subjecting an inert gas in a discharge tube to high frequency. A plasma lamp is in the form of a sphere that is filled with a mixture of gases that are maintained at near atmospheric pressure. This article will look into the working, construction and applications of plasma lamp.
Working
The plasma ball consists of a Tesla coil, which is in the form a sphere. Inside the sphere is a coil of wires that have high frequency current running through them. This causes the electrons from the gaseous atoms to be released and plasma is formed. When plasma is formed due to the partial vacuum created electric sparks are seen.
Construction
The plasma lamp consists of a clear glass filled with a mixture of inert gases. Mostly neon is used along with other gases like argon, xenon, etc. Inside the sphere there are coils through which high frequency current is passed through.
Applications
Some of the areas of applications of plasma lamps are listed below:
- Toys or Decoration
- Laboratories
- Night lamps
Sources and Further Reading