Plasma lighting (sometimes called LEP, light emitting plasma) is a category of solid-state lighting, but is not the same as a Light Emitting Diode (LED). The fundamental difference is that LEDs use the solid-state device itself for light generation while plasma light sources use a solid-state device (driver) to generate RF (radio frequency) energy to power a plasma light source by ionizing the gasses enclosed in a quartz bulb.
Topanga Technologies uses a proprietary configuration of an electrode-free plasma lamp placed external to the resonator. Cerevison uses a quartz RF resonator and integral plasma burner (lamp), a transition unit (the system which couples the RF energy from the source into the resonator), an RF microwave source in the form of a magnetron, and an (AC) power supply. LiFi by Luxim uses a dielectric resonant cavity to couple power from a solid state power amplifier into a high intensity discharge vessel, unlike other electrodeless sources. An AC to DC power converter is also used by all manufacturers.
The result is a very small device, called an emitter, with the lamp in it about the size of a Tic Tac® mint that produces a somewhat directional (unlike the other electrodeless lamp-induction), high brightness and broad spectrum white light with a high color rendering index up to 94 with a variety of color temperatures. It is dimmable to about 20% of light output, and dimming improves lamp life.
The amount and intensity of light allows this technology to perform in applications that LEDs currently cannot. The rated life varies with models from 30,000 to 50,000 hours when 70% of original light output is reached. It is promoted for larger lighting needs, above 5000 lumens output, such as street and area lighting, big box stores, industrial facilities, some sporting venues with overhead lighting, agricultural/horticultural lights, decorative, billboard, towers and arrays, and for television and film work, and the field is growing. A 266 Watt unit replaces a 400 Watt metal halide lamp for about 40% energy savings. Operating temperature range is -40 to 45 C. The Ceravision product claims at least 90 lumens/Watt (Lm/W), LiFi produces 115 Lm/W, while Topanga claims 90-110 Lm/W (system watts), though it is not clear if they are all using the same measurement or not. That is, whether they are including the energy use of the power supply and driver. When comparing in efficiency to other technologies, it is also important to note that the very small point source of the lamps makes it easier to control the light output, making it possible to design very efficient luminaires, too. In April 2013, Topanga Technologies introduced a 50,000 lumen output lamp, the APL1000. At 455 Watts, it replaces a 750 or 1000 Watt HID lamp, for up to 50% savings, with an overall system efficacy of 110 Lm/W at a CRI of 70. Topanga Technologies and Luxim produce the light engines, and depend on luminaire manufacturers to make complete light products. Ceravision produces complete lumaires.
Currently these companies are producing this type of lighting:
Ceravision, http://www.ceravision.com, trade name Alvara
Luxim, http://www.luxim.com/ used by Stray Light Optical, http://straylightoptical.com
Topanga, http://topangatech.com/
PlasmaBright, http://plasmabright.com/, info@lgelighting.com