FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to excimer lamps (e.g., for sanitizing systems), such as may be used to sanitize structures and areas within vehicles or other enclosed spaces, and more particularly to systems and methods of providing such lamps having simplified manufacture and reduced cost to produce.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Vehicles such as commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers between various locations. Systems are currently being developed to disinfect or otherwise sanitize surfaces within aircraft, for example, that use ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light may also be used in other applications besides aircraft to disinfect or sanitize surfaces or objects.

For example, UV light around 222 nanometers wavelength may be utilized. However, known lamps that produce such wavelengths generally consist of two concentric quartz tubes, one positioned inside the other. Such lamps may operate at relatively high voltages and/or be costly or complicated to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A need exists for a system and a method for providing UV lamps for sanitizing that are easy to produce and use.

With those needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an excimer lamp that includes a dielectric tube, an end cap, a conductive hollow tube, and an electrode grid. The dielectric tube has a closed end and an open end, and defines a cavity. The end cap sealingly covers the open end. The conductive hollow tube passes through the end cap and into the cavity of the dielectric tube, with a volume defined between an exterior surface of the conductive hollow tube and an interior surface of the dielectric tube. The volume is configured to hold a gas. The electrode grid is disposed on an exterior surface of the dielectric tube.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for assembling an excimer lamp. The method includes providing a dielectric tube having a closed end and an open end. The dielectric tube defines a cavity. The method also includes affixing an end cap to cover the open end. Further, the method includes introducing a conductive hollow tube into the cavity. The conductive hollow tube passes through the end cap and into the cavity of the dielectric tube. A volume is defined between an exterior surface of the conductive hollow tube and an interior surface of the dielectric tube. The method also includes disposing an electrode grid on an exterior surface of the dielectric tube. Also, the method includes introducing a gas into the volume.

