A century of innovation at Philips Lighting
1891
Dutch mechanical engineer Gerard Philips starts the production of carbon-filament lamps in a former buckskin factory in Eindhoven.
Among his first major clients are early electricity companies who are including the provision of lamps in their power supply contracts. These firms set high standards of product quality, which is therefore closely monitored by the young company.
1908
One year after its introduction onto the world market, Philips starts the production of lamps that feature tungsten metal filaments. In 1913, the successful gas-filled "Halfwatt" lamp, equipped with a coiled-tungsten filament, is launched, followed in 1915 by the smaller "Arga" lamp. "We have a lamp for every application" is the slogan of these days. In this period, the company grows into a worldwide, market-oriented concern.
With many lamp types available, choosing the right lamp for the right application becomes a matter for experts. Therefore, in 1931, Philips opens the world's first Lighting Design and Consultancy Centre.
1932
Extensive Philips research forms the basis for the introduction of revolutionary new lamp types, including the low-pressure sodium (SOX) lamp. With this lamp, large-scale road lighting becomes economically feasible.
1933
The "Bi-Arlita" lamp. The first, modern, double-coiled filament lamp for general lighting is introduced on a worldwide scale.
1934
The high-pressure mercury, or HO lamp. Two important Philips breakthroughs - namely a way to seal the tungsten wires in quartz and a new fluorescent powder - open the doors for the production of this lamp on an industrial scale.
1938
Philips introduces the revolutionary super-high-pressure mercury lamp. This compact, high-intensity light source is hailed as a replacement for the cumbersome carbon-arc lamp in cinema projectors. 1938 is also the year in which the fluorescent lamp is launched. Philips, once again, plays a pioneering role.
1950
In post-World War II years the emphasis shifts towards innovative lighting. "The right light at the right place" becomes the slogan. Product innovation is no longer the only goal; the need to create the optimum lighting environment is emphasized as well. Philips successfully takes on the challenge of educating the public in lighting awareness.
1964
Using a non-aggressive halogen compound instead of the pure element, Philips research opens the way for large-scale industrial production of halogen incandescent lamps. Two years later, Philips is the first to introduce a "cool-beam" lamp for projection purposes, featuring a dichroic mirror located directly on the bulb wall. Thus, much of the accompanying heat load is removed from the light beam.
1973
Philips scientists discover the narrow-band phosphors that herald a revolution in fluorescent lamp technology. Lamps with a much higher light output per watt, combined with very good colour characteristics can now be produced. This provides a boost in a period when the drive for energy savings is quickly gathering momentum.
Moreover, because of their resistance to high radiant loads, these phosphors are to play a crucial role in the subsequent development of the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) in all its forms.
1978
Philips plays a leading role in the changeover from the fluorescent lamp with a diameter of 38 mm to 26 mm lamps. The first HF fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts are introduced onto the market.
1980
New phosphors, because of their superior behaviour under high radiant loads, allow miniaturization of the fluorescent lamp. Philips is the first to launch compact, narrow-tube fluorescent lamps: the SL* lamp in 1980 and the PL lamp in 1981.
1986
On the threshold of a new age, Philips further pursues the development of small, versatile and economic light sources. In 1986 the "White SON" lamp is introduced. With its excellent colour characteristics, this warm-white, compact high-pressure sodium lamp opens new avenues in decorative and display lighting.
1988
Philips presents its revolutionary "ArenaVision" floodlighting system, thereby setting new standards in high-class stadium lighting.
1991
The very first electrode-less fluorescent lamp powered through induction by an HF generator is introduced in 1991, the year of Philips' centenary. QL Induction lamps have a lifetime of up to 100,000 hours.
1994
Launched by Philips in this year, the Mastercolour (CDM) lamp represents an important breakthrough, especially for shop and display lighting. Mastercolour overcomes the drawbacks of conventional metal-halide lamps, known for their lack of colour uniformity and dramatic colour shifts throughout the lamp life.
1995
The T5 system, featuring a thin fluorescent tube with a diameter of only 16 mm, offers a considerable reduction in total operating costs as well as substantial savings in energy and materials. Because of its small size, the lamps allow much more freedom and flexibility in the design of optics and luminaires.
Introduction of the UHP (Ultra High Power) lamp for data projection (beamers).
Introduction of MPXL (Micro Power Xenon Light) automotive lamps, which give more than twice as much light as conventional halogen lamps while using 30 per cent less energy, contributing to greater safety and comfort on the roads.
1997
Fully recyclable TL fluorescent lamps
1998
In the US, Halogena with its unique form offers consumers whiter light and a lifetime about three times longer than standard incandescent lamps.
1999
LEDs: solid-state automotive, signal and street lighting developed and marketed under the extended Lumileds joint venture with Agilent Technologies (formerly part of Hewlett-Packard).
2001
Introduction of HyperVision automotive signalling lamps (in the Mercedes E-Class) that last the lifetime of the car.
2002
Further improved version of UHP (Ultra High Performance) lamp, currently the leading product for digital data projection in beamers connected to PCs and for large-screen projection TVs.
Launch of Lumileds' Luxeon LEDs, the world's brightest, longest lasting LEDs.
LEDline for coloured wall-washing.
2003
2-in-1 Nightlight combining LED technology for orientation purposes with energy-saving lamp giving soft white light.
LED String for signage and decoration.
XenEco automotive lamp, setting new standards in the use of environmentally friendly materials while offering the familiar Xenon benefits.
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