External resonator electrode-less plasma lamp and method of exciting with radio-frequency energy

A plasma electrode-less lamp, comprising:

• a gas-fill vessel comprising:
• a closed, transparent body comprising:
• a first end;
• a second end;
• an outer surface;
• and
• an inner surface, the inner surface forming a cavity;
• a gas-fill contained within the gas-fill vessel, the gas-fill comprising:
• a fill material:
• and
• an inert gas;
• an RF electromagnetic radiation source;
• an RF electromagnetic resonator having a Q such that a substantial amount of RF power is coupled into the gas-fill, the RF electromagnetic resonator comprising:
• a body comprising a dielectric material, the body having an input end and an output end;
• a conductive veneer substantially covering the dielectric body;
• an output opening in the conductive veneer on the output end;
• and
• an input opening in the conductive veneer on the input end;
• an output probe coupled to the gas-fill vessel, the output probe being at least one of e-field probe, h-field probe, or patch antenna, the output probe intersecting the output end substantially within the output opening, the size, shape, and position of the output probe creating, substantial impedance matching between the RF electromagnetic resonator and the gas-fill vessel;
• an input probe coupled to the RF electromagnetic radiation source, the input probe being at least one of e-field probe, h-field probe, or patch antenna, the input probe intersecting the input end substantially within the input opening, the size, shape, and position of the input probe creating substantial impedance matching between the RF electromagnetic resonator and the RF electromagnetic radiation source;
• and
• a grounding strap coupled to the gas-fill vessel;
• whereby RF electromagnetic radiation is coupled to the has and fill material via the RF electromagnetic resonator to cause output light emission.