Multiple pulse width modulation waveforms for plasma lamp

A method for operating a plasma lamp apparatus, the method comprising:

• generating an RF signal from a signal generating source;
• coupling the RF signal to a resonator structure coupled to a bulb having a fill material, the bulb being formed from a transparent or translucent material;
• exciting the fill material to form an arc within the bulb to cause output of electromagnetic radiation;
• and
• modulating the RF signal to generate a switching pulse width modulated (PWM) waveform to maintain the arc within a spatial region of the bulb.

A method for operating a plasma lamp apparatus, the method comprising:

• providing the plasma lamp, the plasma lamp comprising a power source and a bulb, the bulb comprising gaseous filling material, the power source being configured to provide RF signals at a first frequency to the bulb, the first frequency being about 300 MHz to 600 MHz, the power source comprising a PWM module for providing pulse-width modulation for the RF signals, the pulse-width modulation being characterized by a modulation frequency about 1 KHz to 200 KHz;
• providing RF signals to the bulb at a first PWM duty cycle to excite at least the gaseous filling material of the bulb, the gaseous filing material forming a light characterized by a first arc shape;
• and
• providing RF signals to the bulb at a second PWM duty cycle to excite at least the gaseous filling material of the bulb, the gaseous filing material forming a light characterized by a second arc shape, the second arc shape being different from the first arc shape.

A plasma lamp apparatus comprising:

• a bulb comprising a fill material;
• a resonator structure coupled to the bulb;
• an RF power source capable of generating a first PWM waveform and a second PWM waveform, the RF power source comprising an output, the output coupled to the bulb via the resonator structure;
• a PWM module comprising a switch device configured to the output of the RF power source;
• and
• a microcontroller device coupled to the PWM module, the microcontroller device being capable of controlling an output of the RF power source to switch via the PWM module from the first PWM waveform to the second PWM waveform.