A cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) is a type of gas-discharge lamp similar to linear fluorescent or compact fluorescent lamps. CCFLs are used in a number of different specialty applications, such as cold-weather lighting, display back lighting in LCD laptops, and signage. They are known for high efficiency, long rated life, and their ability to start in cold conditions. The 15 inch that I tested only draws 150 ma and is rated for 50,000 hours!
How do they work? A cold cathode lamp functions by using electricity emitted from the cathodes to excite mercury vapors using the process of inelastic scattering in order to create fluorescence, just as a typical linear fluorescent does. What sets the cold cathode lamp apart is that by using higher voltage, a cold cathode lamp does not require the cathode to be heated in order to fire and produce light. This allows it to draw less current, run cooler, and last longer. They can be very bright, do not flicker, and are totally dimmable.
How do they work? A cold cathode lamp functions by using electricity emitted from the cathodes to excite mercury vapors using the process of inelastic scattering in order to create fluorescence, just as a typical linear fluorescent does. What sets the cold cathode lamp apart is that by using higher voltage, a cold cathode lamp does not require the cathode to be heated in order to fire and produce light. This allows it to draw less current, run cooler, and last longer. They can be very bright, do not flicker, and are totally dimmable.
These lights are available in both 120 Volt and 12 Volts and come in many colors. They arrive with the 680 volt invertor. The 12 Volt that I used had a 4 pin Molex connector but I cut it off and just used a wall wart, 12 Volts@500ma and connected the red and black leads. These are really inexpensive and fun to experiment with so have some fun. There are so many sites that offer these lights that I did not post a link. Just search "Cold Cathode"Let there be light...
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