#Halogen lamps series#

Their design, construction, and operation is simple consisting of an enclosed glass bulb filled with an inert gas and containing a tungsten wire filament that is energized by a DC electric current. These lamps are thermal radiators that emit a continuous spectrum of light extending from about 300 nanometers to upward of 1200-1400 nanometers, with a majority of the wavelength intensity centered in the 600-1200 nanometer region as illustrated in Figure 2. Incandescent Lamps - Incandescent tungsten-based lamps are the primary illumination source used in modern microscopes, with the exception of those intended for fluorescence microscopy investigations. Light from the lamphouse is directed into the microscope base through a collector lens (Figure 1), and then frequently through a sintered glass diffuser before being focused on the aperture diaphragm of the condenser.

#Halogen lamps series#

The position of the lamp is controlled by a series of knobs on the side of the illuminator housing or is pre-centered specifically for the housing. These bulbs generate a large amount of heat during operation, and the housing is provided with several layers of heat sinks to help dissipate excess heat.

Lamp voltage is controlled by a DC power supply that is often built into the microscope housing, with a voltage control knob that is usually a potentiometer mounted somewhere on the microscope stand.

The bulb is a tungsten-halogen lamp that operates on a direct current (DC) voltage of 12 volts and produces up to 100 watts of power for illumination. A typical illuminator lamp and housing is illustrated in Figure 1. Lamp voltage is controlled through a variable rheostat that is commonly integrated into the microscope stand. The most common source for today's microscopes is an incandescent tungsten-halogen bulb positioned in a reflective housing that projects light through the collector lens and into the substage condenser. Halogen lights still boast their excellent colour rendition which provides a very natural looking light: Pendant lights, halogen spotlights, kitchen lights, and more varieties used in residential and commercial environments continue to use halogen lights specifically.Modern microscopes usually have an integral light source that can be controlled to a relatively high degree. Also LED lights have been proven superior over halogen light bulbs in many respects, including a much lower power consumption. Compact Fluorescent light bulbs, offered mostly as energy-saving light bulbs consume even less power than halogen lamps. However, now there are some alternatives that use even less energy and are even more durable now. In addition, the improved light source allows more compact construction methods. The most significant improvement in the halogen lamps is that the halogens create a chemical reaction which redeposits the atoms of tungsten back onto the filament of the bulb. Energy efficient alternatives to incandescent bulbs In the case of conventional dimmable transformers, it is done through a phase control dimmer. If the voltage is converted with a dimmable electronic transformer, the dimming function is done through the trailing edge dimmer. Thanks to the low operating voltage of 12V low-voltage halogen lamps, they can be installed more safely in the bathroom. Low-voltage lights are ideal for catering and hotel lighting and as well as in the private sector G4 halogen lights for example, are well suited for use in the bathroom, the kitchen and as a decorative display case lighting. High voltage halogen lights are compatible with all standard light bulb dimmers. G9 halogen lamps are operated at 230 volts, and GU10 halogens are high voltage reflector light bulbs. For high voltage models that work with normal mains voltage, for example in the E27 and E14 halogen lights, there is a common base for the bulb. High voltage lights do not require extra support gear. The number refers to the distance between the two pins of the socket in millimetres, while the U stands for an additional mechanical support. Most of the halogen lights have a pin base, which are especially common with G9, G4 and GU10 halogens. Halogen lights are available in many different versions. Warning: Halogen lights get really hot! Never handle the halogen lamp glass because this can cause burns. In addition, they run on average three to four thousand hours traditional incandescent bulbs only run approximately one thousand hours. Compared to traditional light bulbs, halogen lights save approximately one-third of the costs.