Lamp discharge radiation terms

Discharge In a gas or vapor, a process by which an electric current, under the influence of an electric field, causes charged particles to form and migrate and flow through the gas or vapor region. In fluorescent lamps, electrodes are metal filaments that emit or absorb electrons. The negative electrode (cathode) produces negatively charged free electrons that are absorbed by the positive electrode (anode) and generate current and arc between the two electrodes.

The discharge lamp directly or indirectly discharges gas, metal vapor or a mixture of gases and vapors to obtain a light source of light output.

Peak intensity The maximum intensity of a light source or luminaire in a given direction.

Peak factor (lamp current peak factor)
The ratio of lamp current peak to RMS (root mean square value) or average operating current.

Radiation energy is emitted or transferred in the form of electromagnetic waves or particles.

Radiated power is emitted, transferred, or received in the form of radiation. Unit: Watts, W

Radiation energy (Qe,Q)
The energy emitted, transferred, or received in the form of radiation. Unit: Joule, J

Radiation efficiency (ηe)
The ratio of the radiant flux (power) emitted by the radiation source to the power consumed.

Irradiance (Ee, E)
Radiation energy received on a given surface per unit area. Unit: W/m2