Part 5/7:
So, why do flicker flame lamps exhibit their signature flicker? Surprisingly, this flickering is a result of intentional design flaws. The lamp is built to create an unstable discharge, leading to varying illumination across the electrode surfaces. The combination of imperfect coatings, electrode spacing, and gas composition contributes to this unique flicker effect.
Component Chemistry: The Role of Gas and Electrode Design
Diving deeper, the variation in light emitted by the lamp is influenced by several factors. The type of gas used, the purity of the electrodes, and external environmental influences can all play a role. Interestingly, as they age, neon lamps often transition into this flickering state, suggesting that extended use may contribute to the observable effects.