Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: rhade on 15/01/2009 13:36:36

Title: What are Krypton torch bulbs?
Post by: rhade on 15/01/2009 13:36:36

What is the difference between a so-called "Krypton" torch bulb and a conventional one? (LED's are best, anyway!)

Title: What are Krypton torch bulbs?
Post by: blakestyger on 15/01/2009 17:00:23

It's a secret.

Title: What are Krypton torch bulbs?
Post by: Bored chemist on 15/01/2009 18:36:28

The fact that krypton bulbs have krypton in them isn't a very well kept secret.

Title: What are Krypton torch bulbs?
Post by: lyner on 15/01/2009 22:51:28

There are tiny green crystals in them and they make Superman go weak.

Title: What are Krypton torch bulbs?
Post by: Soul Surfer on 15/01/2009 23:12:22

Putting a heavy inert gas into the bulb reduces the tendency of the tungsten filament to evaporate and so allows it to be run at a higher temperature and give out more light for every watt of energy input.  The best gas to do this is the even heavier inert gas Xenon and some small torch bulbs are filled with Xenon.  nowadays LEDs can give out quite white light and be highly efficient and heated filament bulbs are rapidly becoming obsolete.

Title: What are Krypton torch bulbs?
Post by: rhade on 04/02/2009 12:52:50

Thanks, Soul Surfer! What about LEDs for house lighting? I heard that scientists at Edinburgh University had cracked the problem of making them work on a house lighting system, but the problem seems to be the cost of producing them. Actually, I think I heard that on the Naked Scientists.