How Induction Lamps Work:

The
basic technology for induction lamps is not particularly new.
Essentially, an induction lamp is an electrode less fluorescent.
Without electrodes, the lamp relies on the fundamental principles of
electromagnetic induction and gas discharge to create light. The
elimination of filaments and electrodes results in a lamp of
unmatched life. Lasting 100,000 hours or 25 years, this system can
outlast 100 incandescent, five HID, or five typical fluorescent lamp
changes.
Based on these well-known principles, light can be generated via a
gas discharge through simple magnetism. Electromagnetic
transformers, which consist of rings with metal coils, create an
electromagnetic field around a glass tube which contains the gas,
using a high frequency that is generated by an electronic ballast.
The discharge path, induced by the coils, forms a closed loop
causing acceleration of free electrons, which collide with mercury
atoms and excite the electrons. As the excited electrons from these
atoms fall back from this higher energy state to a lower stable
level, they emit ultraviolet radiation. The UV radiation created is
converted to visible light as it passes through a phosphor coating
on the surface of the tube. The unusual shape of an induction lamp
maximizes the efficiency of the fields that are generated.
Although it is not breakthrough science, until recently, it has not
been so commercially viable. New developments have broken down the
barriers of costs and technological setbacks, such as EMC
interference, lumen depreciation, ability to dim and a useful range
of available wattages. Today, its obvious benefits make it the
clear-cut choice for many lighting applications over traditional
light sources.