Statistical analysis of discharge lamp starting characteristics

Abstract

A theory for statistical distribution in discharge lamp breakdown voltage has been developed. It is shown that the decreasing constant of the breakdown voltage distribution under linearly increasing voltage is almost proportional to the product of the breakdown probability P due to one initial electron and the number of initial electrons Q liberated from a cathode per second. When AC voltage is applied to a lamp, starting time lag τ is equal to ‹PQ›^-1, where ‹PQ› is averaged PQ over one applied voltage perid. τ is also expressed as the inverse value of breakdown probability T₁ per one applied voltage period and its frequency F. This expression is practicable because T₁ is directly measurable. Discharge lamps were examined by the statistical method and it was concluded that T₁ is a better papameter than breakdown potential V₈ for judging lamp and starting device qualities.