A Moore lamp is an early gas-discharge lamp invented in 1896 by Daniel McFarlan Moore . It was an improved version of the standard incandescent lamp and was developed as a more efficient light source, producing white light instead of the yellow light of incandescent lamps of the time.
Operation of the Moore lamp
- The Moore lamp is a long gas discharge tube filled with an inert gas , such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or argon.
- When an electric current is passed through the tube, the gas ionizes and begins to emit light.
- The color of the light depends on the gas used:
- Nitrogen (N₂) → Pink-white light
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) → Bright white light
- Argon (Ar) → Bluish light
Unlike later neon tubes , the Moore lamp had low pressure and a regulator to keep the gas level in the tube constant.
Benefits of the Moore lamp
✅ Whiter and more natural light than early incandescent bulbs
✅ Higher efficiency than carbon filament bulbs of that time
✅ Large light coverage due to the long tube shape
Disadvantages
❌ Large and bulky construction – The lights were meters long and difficult to install
❌ Limited lifespan – Regular gas refill required
❌ Complicated operation – A special pump and gas supply were required
Why did the Moore lamp disappear?
Although the Moore lamp was used in offices and factories in the early 20th century, it was quickly supplanted by neon and fluorescent lighting , which were simpler, cheaper, and more durable.