History of fluorescent Lights

Linkby Tom Sanderrs

The fluorescent light technology has been available for more than 150 years already. The development is due to the work of many intelligent scientists and inventors and if you want to know specifics of the history, then read this article.

Starting in the 19th Century

The first fluorescent lights were developed by Heinrich Geissler in 1856. He discovered that if tubes were filled with gas that they then produce light if stimulated with electrical energy. The funny part of the discovery is that it was never intended! However, this invention still played a primary role in later developments of this technology. Towards the end of the 19th century there were many scientists experimenting with the findings recorded by Geissler and they were adapted to different works. One of those people was Thomas Edison who further developed Geissler’s work and was able to make the first long lasting light bulb.

Beginning of the 20th Century

In 1901 the first success in fluorescent lighting took place and it was invented by Peter Cooper Hewitt who designed a bulb that had mercury sealed inside a tube. The ends of the tube were then supplied with electricity and that excited the low-pressure mercury. The result was UV light and the idea never took off at the time, because people didn’t like the strange light. In 1926 Edmund Germer was able to improve that technology and as a result the fluorescent light was stabilized somewhat and fine changes enabled a more pleasantly colored light to be emitted. This resulted in immediate success for the fluorescent light bulb.

The Mid 20th Century

Shortly before the start of the Second World War, GE purchased the fluorescent light patent from Germer. The bulb was then promoted around the world and was even displayed at the World’s Fair in 1939. However, fluorescent lighting only started replacing incandescent lighting after conserving energy became a priority during the war. Since fluorescent lighting was more energy efficient and businesses started to use it, the demand for it increased.

End of the 20th Century

After the war and up to the 1960s the fluorescent light bulb was often used by businesses and even many organizations. Although a great alternative to incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lighting wasn’t compatible with residential light fixtures because the bulbs did not fit. GE changed that during the 1970s when the company developed the Compact Fluorescent Lamp, or CFL.

In the Near Future

The trend towards green practices is on the rise and that is making fluorescent lighting much more popular among those who want to be more energy conscious and contribute to saving the environment. The Green Economy Proposal set forth by US President Obama makes energy efficiency a top priority, making fluorescent technology all the more important.