Fluorescent Lamp Phosphors Fluorescent Lamp Phosphors

luorescent lamp phosphors convert the ultraviolet emission of a rare-gas/mercury discharge plasma into visible (white) light. The phosphor is responsible for nearly all the visible light produced by the lamp with the visible mercury lines contributing only a few percent to the total lamp light output. This article reviews fluorescent lamp phosphors that are used in general purpose illumination. Readers interested in applications of phosphor in specialized fluorescent lamp products such as skin-tanning lamps, germicidal lamps, lamps used in photocopiers, to name a few, are encouraged to consult References 1 and 2. The article begins with an overview of fluorescent lamp use, construction, and operation, and proceeds with an overview of fluorescent lamp phosphors. Finally, comments on the energy and environmental issues associated with the use of fluorescent lamp products in residential and commercial markets are made. General-purpose lighting consumes about one-quarter of all electricity produced in the United States. The incandescent lamp, where a filament of