A Method of Driving Microwave-Driven Additive Lamps for Improved Performance

Darrin Leonhardt, Heraeus Noblelight America

Abstract:UV Lamps with additives (iron, gallium) are ubiquitous in the curing industry. DC-driven lamps have be adopted for microwave lamps for many years, offering greatly improved performance (higher efficiency, lighter weight, and more). However, when oriented vertically the lack of turbulence in the DC-driven plasma could yield a non-uniform spectral output (aka ‘color separation’) with increased temperature inhomogeneity. In this presentation, we discuss the dc-like operation of the additive bulb that still maintains the benefits of the DC power supply and alleviates the undesirable vertical lamp performance. The impact of the driving waveform parameters has on bulb operation will be shown in detail.