High brightness microwave lamp

An electrodeless microwave discharge lamp, comprising:

• a source of microwave energy;
• a microwave cavity;
• a coupling structure configured to transmit the microwave energy from the source to the microwave cavity;
• a bulb disposed within the microwave cavity, the bulb including a discharge forming fill which emits light when excited by the microwave energy;
• and
• a reflector disposed within the microwave cavity and spaced from the bulb, wherein the reflector defines a reflective cavity which encompasses the bulb within its volume and a light emitting aperture, and wherein the reflective cavity has an inside surface area which is significantly less than an inside surface area of the microwave cavity,
• wherein a portion of the reflector defining the light emitting aperture extends from a position closely spaced to an exterior surface of the bulb to a light transmissive end portion of the microwave cavity, and
• wherein the reflector comprises a hollow cylinder of reflective material which is open on one end and substantially closed on the other end, wherein the open end defines the light emitting aperture.

An electrodeless microwave discharge lamp, comprising:

• a source of microwave energy;
• a microwave cavity;
• a coupling structure configured to transmit the microwave energy from the source to the microwave cavity;
• a bulb disposed within the microwave cavity, the bulb including a discharge forming fill which emits light when excited by the microwave energy;
• and
• a reflector disposed within the microwave cavity and spaced from the bulb, wherein the reflector defines a reflective cavity which encompasses the bulb within its volume and a light emitting aperture, and wherein the reflective cavity has an inside surface area which is significantly less than an inside surface area of the microwave cavity,
• wherein the microwave cavity is defined by a hollow metal cylinder with solid walls which is open on both ends, and wherein the reflector comprises a hollow cylinder of reflective material which is open on one end and substantially closed on the other end, wherein the open end of the reflective cylinder defines the light emitting aperture and wherein an outer diameter of the reflective cylinder is closely matched to an inner diameter of the metal cylinder.

An electrodeless microwave discharge lamp, comprising:

• a source of microwave energy;
• a microwave cavity;
• a coupling structure configured to transmit the microwave energy from the source to the microwave cavity;
• a bulb disposed within the microwave cavity, the bulb including a discharge forming fill which emits light when excited by the microwave energy;
• and
• a reflector disposed within the microwave cavity and spaced from the bulb, wherein the reflector defines a reflective cavity which encompasses the bulb within its volume and a light emitting aperture, and wherein the reflective cavity has an inside surface area which is significantly less than an inside surface area of the microwave cavity,
• wherein the microwave cavity is substantially sealed from environmental contamination, and
• wherein the microwave cavity is defined by a hollow metal cylinder with solid walls which includes an opening on one end in the area of the light emitting aperture and wherein the opening is covered by a quartz plate.