Glow-In-The-Dark Lamps Hack

pradeep1 · #1 08-06-2005, 01:37 PM

pulled from slashdot.org

"MSNBC reports on an elegant hack performed on the common fluorescent tube. By mixing phosphorescent material with the usual white fluorescent material, American Environmental Products has developed a tube that continues to glow when shut off. Originally intended for submarines, and then used in places where terrorists could disrupt services, they are also perfect for power outages, providing some light so you don't have to thrash around in the dark looking for your candles and flashlights. Since the 'hack' is inside the tube, they can also be removed from their fixtures and carried around, as well as provide light even if they're shattered."

http://science.slashdot.org/science/...126&tid=14

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8825455/

PhotonWrangler · #2 08-06-2005, 06:39 PM

I think the real tricks in this "hack" are twofold:

1) Find a phosphor that won't deteriorate from direct and prolonged exposure to shortwave UV from the mercury vapor arc.

2) Strike a balance between the quantity of normal phosphors and the phosphorescent ones that won't interfere significantly with the brightness of the lamp during normal operation.

I'm betting that #1 is the bigger of the two challenges.

flashfan · #3 08-07-2005, 07:57 PM

I have "after-glow" compact fluorescent bulbs (23 watt), and like them a lot. When switched on, the light gives off a bright, very white light. Flick the switch, and the bulb emits the "aqua" glow found in glow powders/paints. Provides ample light in my walk-in closet to navigate my way around in a power outage. Also would be great in a bedroom, hall, etc.

The bulbs were rather pricey and probably didn't move as well as expected, for they ended up on "sale" for the longest time (at about $12 each).

PhotonWrangler · #4 08-07-2005, 07:58 PM

Interesting... what brand are those and where did you find them?

wwglen · #5 08-07-2005, 08:35 PM

I could see carrying around a 36" VERY fragel piece of glass during a power outtage. I would perfer a lamp shade or reflector made out of glow in the dark materal that you could move around.

wwglen

markdi · #6 08-09-2005, 12:32 AM

http://www.brite-lite.com/Products/Glowlamps.htm

markdi · #7 08-09-2005, 12:38 AM

boy I am good at internet searches

http://www.topbulb.com/search/results.asp?keyword=ag-

both references to this type of teck took me about a minute to find.

flashfan · #8 08-09-2005, 06:54 PM

PhotonWrangler, I don't remember the brand name, but they are the ones from topbulb.com in the link in markdi's post above. I bought a bunch of them, thinking that they would sell out at the lower price, but I guess they either bought too many lights, or demand is really low. Hmm, I wonder if they'll drop the price even lower...?

OddBall · #9 08-12-2005, 02:37 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I would perfer a lamp shade or reflector made out of glow in the dark materal that you could move around.

[/ QUOTE ]

Funny you should say wwglen, I have heard of people going into textile dyeing with glow in dark powders... The possibilities are limitless. Think: glowing carpet, or sections of; stairwells, ramps, roadside lines/markers, construction/underground helmets the list goes on.

It'll take time but it wont be long.

Zelandeth · #10 08-12-2005, 01:46 PM

I do know that glow in the dark vests and safety helmets do exist. My father used to be the logistics controller for an ofshore survey company called Wimpol, and as a result he had access to a lot of catalogs. I remember seeing such things as far back as '94 when he was made redundant. I didn't really know what they were at the time, but they did exist!