GALLIUM NITRIDE NANOWIRES ENHANCED HIGH-EFFICIENCY COLD CATHODE FLUORESCENT LAMP

Abstract

We demonstrated a cold cathode fluorescent lamp that contains gallium nitride ( GaN ) nanowires at the electrode surfaces in a gas discharge light source to enhance the power efficiency of this luminance system. GaN in the nanowire structure has a high geometric aspect ratio, which makes it an ideal plasma ignition enhancer. The nanostructure enhancer not only improves a lower ignition voltage but also eliminates the use of mercury in the conventional cold cathode fluorescent lamp system. Due to high temperature of plasma, the GaN nanowires are partially dissociated to release the Ga ions into the lamp. Because the Ga ion has a large capture cross-section of electrons, it helps the lamp electrodes to maintain a high electric resistance. This could enhance the power efficiency and prevent the sputtering effect on the electrode to improve the lifetime of the lamp. This mercury-free approach also makes such cold cathode fluorescent lamp as an environment-friendly device.