A high intensity discharge lamp constructed with a tubular envelope composed of single crystal sapphire in which a continuous non-flash arc is created across multiple electrodes to generate a radiation emitting plasma. The lamp may operate at higher temperatures and pressures than conventional high intensity discharge lamps to produce greater luminance at any given power input. The lamp fill may be chosen from a wide range of gases and additives to produce the desired light spectra in the range from ultraviolet through near infra-red. The effective life of the lamp may be significantly extended. The lamp may be utilized particular benefits in image projection where a small powerful light source is required to optically match increasingly smaller image generation devices. In particular, the lamp may maintain a pre-selected correlated color temperature from 4,000 to 9,000.degree. K over the life of the lamp. Alternatively, the lamp may be operated without electrodes utilizing microwave or radio frequency radiation as a power source.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/969,903 filed Oct. 2, 2001 still pending and entitled "Sapphire High Intensity Discharge Projector Lamp" which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/241,011 filed on Feb. 1, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,414,436 and entitled "Sapphire High Intensity Discharge Projector Lamp". Both applications are expressly incorporated herein, in their entireties, by reference.
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for replacing an incandescent lamp with a ceramic metal halide ("CMH") lamp in a framing projector. A CMH base is connected to a framing projector body at a connection for an incandescent lamp base for an incandescent lamp. The CMH base positions a CMH lamp relative to a focal point of a reflector within the framing projector body. The CMH lamp is plugged into a CMH socket on the CMH base and the framing projector body includes an opening and connection for an incandescent base holding an incandescent lamp relative to the focal point. A CMH ballast for the CMH lamp is included and is connected to the CMH base and to an electrical connection of the incandescent lamp base.
