Plasma Discharge Lamp showing the Central Electrode surrounded by a Pink Glow and BlueTendrils extending to the outer glass wall
The plasma lamp consists of a glass container filled with a mixture of various gases (most commonly helium and neon) at low pressure. A small orb at the centre of the container is connected to electronics which generate high voltage electricity (about 2000 to 5000 volts) at a high frequency (about 35,000 Hertz). The result is a strong, alternating electrical field which ionises the gas creating plasma filaments which extend from the inner electrode to the outer glass wall. This gives the appearance of moving beams of coloured light. If undisturbed the beams follow the electric field lines between the inner electrode and the outer wall. Placing a hand on (or near) the glass changes the shape of the electric field, causing the beams to move towards the point of contact. The principles behind the Plasma Lamp were first describes by Nikola Tesla in the late 19th Century but the design of the modern, decorative, novelty “Plasma Lamp” has been attributed to Bill Parker in the 1970’s.
Size: 3471px × 5226px
Photo credit: © Ray Beaumont / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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