Microwave/Electrodeless Bulbs

Microwave bulbs, more commonly know as electrodeless lamps, are a unique type of medium pressure mercury vapor lamp. In this design, the mercury contained in the quartz sleeve is vaporized by irradiating the lamp with microwave energy rather than passing current between the electrodes. This offers several distinct advantages over the standard UV electrode lamp:

• Instant on/off capability
• Smaller lamp design
• Much longer lamp life (generally 3 to 5 times a standard electrode lamp)
• Higher efficiency light output
• Higher intensity light at working surface
• Direct replacement for OEM’s product

Albatross UV’s microwave bulbs are available in 6” (152.4 mm) and 10” (254 mm) lengths with power ratings of 300 watts/inch and 600 watts/inch. They are made in the USA and are directly interchangeable with the electrodeless lamps made by Fusion UV Systems Inc.   

Metal Halide doping (adding a metal halide to the contents of a bulb) is used to change the spectral output of these lamps. Spectral outputs of three most popular electrodeless bulbs are shown in figures: A-C.

The "H" bulb output is most similar to a conventional medium pressure mercury electrode type lamp output. In the "V" bulb, output has been shifted strongly into the visible region, while "D" bulb has been tailored to exhibit characteristics of both bulbs. The "D" bulb is often used to achieve good cure depth. "H+" bulb exhibits enhanced emission at shorter wavelengths, effective in promoting surface cure.