Fluorescent Tubes

The basic premise of fluorescent tubes involves the ionization of mercury vapour. This
is due to the mercury electrons moving up energy levels. When an electron moves up
an energy level, it releases a photon. E = hf, therefore f = E / h. The values of each
energy level results in ultraviolet photons. This ultraviolet light is converted to visible
light via a phosphor coating on the inside of the tube.
In order to start the lamp, a voltage is required. This current flows through the gas
like a wire. The colder the lamp, the higher the required voltage. However, high
voltages can be dangerous, so scientists have found ways around this.
One such method is the startswitch. This involves heating a bi-metallic strip while
some of the gas in the main tube is ionized. The serves to “pre-heat” the tube, and is
responsible for the flicker that can be seen when the lights are turned on.

This “pre-heating” process is labelled as cathode sputtering time on the above

diagram.