7319 Optoelectronics

Incandescents and neons are two of the most common types of lamps out there for lighting. While they may look similar from afar, they are actually quite different in the way they function as well as the applications they are used for.

Incandescent lamps are probably the most common type of lighting. These are standard light bulbs that are filled with a gas such as nitrogen or argon, as well as a filament made of tungsten. When power is supplied to the bulb, an electrical current flows through the filament, causing it to heat up. This releases energy in the form of light as well as heat. Incandescent lamps are most commonly used in residential and commercial lighting due to their relatively low cost and high efficiency.

Neon lamps, on the other hand, are not as common in everyday use. Neons are filled with a blend of gases including neon, argon and mercury, as well as an electrode. When an electrical current passes through the gases, they become excited and release energy in the form of visible light. Neons are most commonly used in signs and displays, such as advertising signs, cinema displays, and other forms of display lighting.

The applications of incandescents and neons are quite varied and depend on the type of lighting desired. They both have their strengths and weaknesses that make them better suited for certain applications. Incandescents are an excellent choice for general lighting and flood lighting because of their high efficiency and low cost. They are also very reliable and can last for thousands of hours before needing to be replaced. Neons, on the other hand, are best suited for display purposes because they emit light in a specific direction, making them ideal for signs and display lighting.

In terms of their working principles, incandescent lamps and neons function quite differently. Incandescents are heated filament lamps, meaning that they rely on electricity flowing through a tungsten filament to heat up and produce light and heat. Neons, however, make use of an electrical discharge through a group of special gases which excites the atoms and causes them to emit light. This is why neon signs appear to flicker; because the light is produced by atoms being excited and releasing photons.

Overall, both incandescent lamps and neon lights have their own specific applications as well as different working principles. Incandescents are typically used for general lighting such as residential, commercial, and flood lighting; while neons are ideal for displays, advertising, and light displays. Regardless of which type of light is chosen, it is important to understand the application and working principle of the lamp to ensure that the right lighting is chosen for the job.