Advent Of Xenon Lighting

By Author: Sam Downs
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Currently, xenon lamps are replacing halogen lamps in the headlights of automobiles. These lamps are more preferred in headlights because these lamps result to lower light reflection thus reducing the glare of oncoming cars. This is so because transition from light to darkness of Xenon light is more defined than Halogen light.

The arc created between two electrodes of tungsten makes the xenon bulb lights up. The xenon bulb contains noble gases, including xenon gas, and does not have any filaments like the incandescent bulbs. Xenon light has an electronic starter and a ballast to start and maintain the arc that will light up the lamp.

Xenon bulbs are used widely for lighting large areas such as gyms and courts, warehouses and parking lots, and cinemas. Xenon bulbs are more preferred than incandescent bulbs in that it has a brightness that is close to that of daylight. Although more expensive than other types of lamp, investing in a xenon bulb is worth it and can even save you a lot of money in the long run since it will last you a lifetime. You do not have to change your xenon bulb like you do your incandescent ...
... or fluorescent bulbs.

There are two different types of xenon lamps, namely the xenon compact arc lamps and the mercury-xenon lamps. Both lamps however function on the basic concept of xenon lighting which utilizes the arc that is created between the two electrodes in the bulb. With xenon short arc lamps, the arc is formed with the electrodes only a few millimeters apart. Further, these lamps contain several atmospheres of xenon gas. Reaching 80% of final output can be done in less than ten minutes for this type of xenon lamp. Xenon compact arc lamps are designed for direct current operation and are done for better stability and longer life. Xenon lamps come in different wattage and can be operated in the vertical or horizontal position. A mercury-xenon lamp is a lamp that contains both small amounts of xenon and mercury. Xenon is used to start and maintain the arc, which creates the light, until mercury has vaporized.

Xenon lighting or better known as HID (High Intensity Discharge) lighting is a very popular with car enthusiasts as they install this type of light into their cars. Although, xenon lighting is more expensive than other forms of lighting, the quality of light being given by the lamp is very appropriate for night driving. As part of a style statement, xenon lighting does not only come in its natural white color but also comes in a variety of colors that can match the car's theme. Xenon lighting comes in golden light, sun light color, different shades of blue and purple.