A question was asked about the physics of neon lamps. The operation is very simple. The neon has an ionization potential of about 70 V. When this potential is applied across it, accelerated electrons can strike the atoms and ionize them. When the atoms later recombine with electrons, the electrons are in a metastable state which they decay from to emit light. All-in-all the process is not much different from that in a gas laser. The problem with 'blinking' neon bulbs is caused by contamination of the gas over time, usually with metal ions banged loose from the electrodes. These contaminants alter the energetics of the neon ionization so that oscillations (limit cycles) occur. Light will add ionization by reducing the energy required from collisions. External magnetic or electric fields may focus electrons or alter energy states. Other issues are: 1) loss of neon via penetration of the envelope, and 2) outgassing of contaminants from the envelope. ================================================================ Robert A. LaBudde, PhD, PAS, Dpl. ACAFS e-mail: ral@lcfltd.com Least Cost Formulations, Ltd. URL: http://lcfltd.com/ 824 Timberlake Drive Tel: 757-467-0954 Virginia Beach, VA 23464-3239 Fax: 757-467-2947 "Vere scire est per causae scire" ================================================================