Plasma & Electroluminescent (EL) Lightsabres, Light Sabers, and Plasma Saber Design Packs

Plasma Lighting

Shown above is a Plasma Ball. Plasma is typically an ionized gas (containing charged particles), and is usually considered to be a distinct state of matter in contrast to gases because of its unique properties. Typically, plasma is contained in glass bulbs or tubes, under slight vacuum, and filled with a noble gas such as neon, argon, xenon, or krypton. Different gases provide different colors. Special powders called phosphors coated on the inside of the glass fluoresce (light up) when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. This is similar to fluorescent lighting which uses a white phosphor but green, blue, yellow, red, and other phosphor colors are available.

Electroluminescent (EL) Lighting

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EL Lighting is a relatively new concept on an old idea. Special phosphors coated on a polymer (plastic material) covered with a tough plastic coating makes this material waterproof except at the connections or seams. This material can also be fashioned into wire (neon wire) which allows flexible mounting and display of the material. With special power supplies called inverters, EL wire can blink or be constantly lit. Use it for signaling and special applications where you wish to grab people's attention. Works best in low light situations as sunlight and daylight washes out the light.

Electroluminescent (EL) materials must be matched to the right inverter for proper operation and life of the EL material. EL material will eventually degrade in intensity (brightness) and most materials are rated at half brightness after at least 2,000 hours of constant operation. That's 40 hours a week, 50 weeks a year.

This is a typical inverter.

This inverter (EL driver) will power 1-6 feet of neon wire using (2) AA batteries. The switch turns the unit on or off and also features a blink function. Other inverters will be required for different lengths of neon wire.

Here is another inverter.

This inverter (EL driver) will power up to 12 feet of neon wire using a 9 volt battery. A switch has to be connected with this device.

We offer the following inverters:

Voltage	Description	Price
1.5 - 3 VDC	1 or 2 batteries power these devices. Some with switches, cases, connectors, etc., some just the drivers. Some with blink operation. Can power up to 25 feet with the proper selection of inverter.	Call
9 VDC	Typically more power. Some with blink operation. Can power up to 50 feet of neon wire with the proper selection of inverter. Sound activated with Sound Sensing, Sensitivity Control, 9-12v; for 20-40ft of wire is available.	Call
12 VDC	Typically for automotive or marine applications, these inverters are even more powerful and can drive up over 300 feet of neon wire with the proper selection of inverter. Some with blink operation. A sequencer is also available for moving (animated) displays. Sound activated with Sound Sensing, Sensitivity Control, 9-12v; for 20-40ft of wire is available.	Call
120 VAC	Plug these inverters into the wall as no batteries are required. Used for high-powered constant or blink applications, these devices can drive 100 meters (328 feet) of neon wire. Dimmer function available.	Call