Electrodeless Mercury-Free Microwave-Driven Indium-Iodide-Based High-Intensity Discharges with High Color Rendering Index (June 2012)

In this paper, a method is shown to drive indium (I)-iodide-based discharges by microwaves in a compact setup. The microwave power is coupled into the discharge by a surfatron suitable for high-intensity discharges and small lamp diameters. A broad continuum in the spectral radiant flux of the lamps is shown at rather low pressures. High color rendering indexes were reached with color coordinates close to a thermal radiator. The dependence of the luminous flux on the lamps´ filling condition is investigated. Buffering the discharge with elemental iodine decreases the discharges maintenance power.