Variable-reactance dimming control for fluorescent lamps

THE INTRODUCTION OF THE FLUORESCENT LAMP in 1939, provided the lighting profession with a new and versatile type of light source. The wide public acceptance of fluorescent lighting has been due to its inherent advantages such as high efficiency, low brightness ratios, better light distribution, and a large selection of lamp sizes and colors. The lighting industry with its innumerable lighting problems may require new sizes of fluorescent lamps, improved colors, and lamps with special brightness characteristics to serve in new applications. The need for fluorescent lamps in new lengths, diameters, and wattages will continue; however, it is known that many new and existing applications could be given additional flexibility if the brierhtness of the lamp were controllable.