High-power radiator

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Accordingly, one object of this invention is to provide a novel high-power radiator, in particular for UV or VUV light, which is characterized in particular by comparatively high efficiency, can be produced economically, and also permits the construction of very large plane radiators.
To achieve this object for a high-power radiator of the generic type mentioned at the beginning, the invention provides that the aforesaid electrode pairs, separated by dielectric material, are arranged immediately adjacent to one another in such a way that the dark electrical discharge in the discharge space forms in the region of the surface of the dielectric.
When a voltage is applied, a multiplicity of surface discharges forms from one electrode through the dielectric essentially along the surface of the dielectric and into the dielectric again to the neighboring electrode.
These discharges radiate the usable UV light, which then penetrates, for example, through the wall delimiting the discharge space.
In contrast to the known configurations, here the entire extent of the discharge channels is utilized for generating radiation.
The production of the high-power radiator according to the invention is more simple and less expensive than with the known radiators.
Materials which can be readily cast can be used, so that the electrodes can be cast in.
Consequently problems relating to compliance with tolerances (e.
g.
thickness of the dielectric or the spacings) are reduced.
For the delimiting glass/quartz material, too, very high demands are not necessary since the delimiting walls need only be transparent and are not stressed by the discharge.
This leads to a longer service life of the radiator.
The gap width and its tolerances are far less critical too.
In particular, owing to the lower requirements as regards tolerances, it is now possible to realize very large plane radiators which can be of a very thin design.
Due to the fact that virtually the entire length of the discharge space contributes to emission, the UV yield is very high