In one embodiment, a device for generating broad spectrum ultraviolet radiation is provided. The device includes an adjustable spark gap of metallic solids, the spark gap including: a first electrode coupled to a first heatsink, and a second electrode coupled to a second heatsink, the second electrode spaced apart and opposite from the first electrode. The device includes a variable capacitor configured to discharge a voltage through the spark gap to generate broad spectrum ultraviolet radiation. The device includes a voltage source. The device includes a controller configured to control the variable capacitor. The first electrode is formed from a first metallic solid and the second electrode is formed from a second metallic solid, and the ultraviolet radiation generated is in the 140 nm to 400 nm range.

In one embodiment, a device for generating broad spectrum ultraviolet radiation is provided. The device includes an adjustable spark gap of metallic solids, the spark gap including: a first electrode coupled to a first heatsink, and a second electrode coupled to a second heatsink, the second electrode spaced apart and opposite from the first electrode. The device includes a variable capacitor configured to discharge a voltage through the spark gap to generate broad spectrum ultraviolet radiation. The device includes a voltage source. The device includes a controller configured to control the variable capacitor. The first electrode is formed from a first metallic solid and the second electrode is formed from a second metallic solid, and the ultraviolet radiation generated is in the 140 nm to 400 nm range.

A plasma cell for use in a laser-sustained plasma light source includes a plasma bulb configured to contain a gas suitable for generating a plasma. The plasma bulb is transparent to light from a pump laser, wherein the plasma bulb is transparent to at least a portion of a collectable spectral region of illumination emitted by the plasma. The plasma bulb of the plasma cell is configured to filter short wavelength radiation, such as VUV radiation, emitted by the plasma sustained within the bulb in order to keep the short wavelength radiation from impinging on the interior surface of the bulb.

A plasma cell for use in a laser-sustained plasma light source includes a plasma bulb configured to contain a gas suitable for generating a plasma. The plasma bulb is transparent to light from a pump laser, wherein the plasma bulb is transparent to at least a portion of a collectable spectral region of illumination emitted by the plasma. The plasma bulb of the plasma cell is configured to filter short wavelength radiation, such as VUV radiation, emitted by the plasma sustained within the bulb in order to keep the short wavelength radiation from impinging on the interior surface of the bulb.

A plasma cell for use in a laser-sustained plasma light source includes a plasma bulb configured to contain a gas suitable for generating a plasma. The plasma bulb is transparent to light from a pump laser, wherein the plasma bulb is transparent to at least a portion of a collectable spectral region of illumination emitted by the plasma. The plasma bulb of the plasma cell is configured to filter short wavelength radiation, such as VUV radiation, emitted by the plasma sustained within the bulb in order to keep the short wavelength radiation from impinging on the interior surface of the bulb.

A plasma cell for use in a laser-sustained plasma light source includes a plasma bulb configured to contain a gas suitable for generating a plasma. The plasma bulb is transparent to light from a pump laser, wherein the plasma bulb is transparent to at least a portion of a collectable spectral region of illumination emitted by the plasma. The plasma bulb of the plasma cell is configured to filter short wavelength radiation, such as VUV radiation, emitted by the plasma sustained within the bulb in order to keep the short wavelength radiation from impinging on the interior surface of the bulb.

A gas light source is disclosed where gas is contained within a graphene cylinder or graphene capsule. Electrodes extending into the graphene cylinder or capsule are stimulated by an electric voltage to emit light. Eight graphene cylinder light sources can be arranged into a seven-segment alpha-numeric display having a decimal point. Different gases produce different colors of light. Three gas light sources having different gases can be arranged into an RGB pixel. An array of RGB pixels can be formed into a display.

A sulfur plasma lamp has a lamp envelope of transparent or translucent glass or ceramic material. At least two silicon carbide electrodes are hermetically sealed with the lamp envelope and in contact with an interior of the lamp envelope. A quantity of sulfur within the interior of the lamp envelope is sufficient to create a sulfur plasma upon excitation. A buffer gas within the interior of the lamp envelope enables initial discharge and heating of the interior of the lamp envelope to excite the sulfur into a plasma state. More than two electrodes may be provided, and an electrical potential is created between different pairs of the electrodes at different times, thereby inducing stirring of the plasma upon excitation of the material into a plasma state.

A gas light source is disclosed where gas is contained within a graphene cylinder or graphene capsule. Electrodes extending into the graphene cylinder or capsule are stimulated by an electric voltage to emit light. Eight graphene cylinder light sources can be arranged into a seven-segment alpha-numeric display having a decimal point. Different gases produce different colors of light. Three gas light sources having different gases can be arranged into an RGB pixel. An array of RGB pixels can be formed into a display.

A sulfur plasma lamp has a lamp envelope of transparent or translucent glass or ceramic material. At least two silicon carbide electrodes are hermetically sealed with the lamp envelope and in contact with an interior of the lamp envelope. A quantity of sulfur within the interior of the lamp envelope is sufficient to create a sulfur plasma upon excitation. A buffer gas within the interior of the lamp envelope enables initial discharge and heating of the interior of the lamp envelope to excite the sulfur into a plasma state. More than two electrodes may be provided, and an electrical potential is created between different pairs of the electrodes at different times, thereby inducing stirring of the plasma upon excitation of the material into a plasma state.