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6. Why does a Xenon bulb
produce blue light?
The light produced by a xenon bulb is not
in fact BLUE but WHITE falling well within the International
specification for white light. The light only appears blue
compared to the warmer yellowier light produced by halogen
lamps. It clearly appears when compared to daylight.
7. Why can a xenon
lamp produce the same colour as halogen?
Technically speaking it could and it is
possible to adapt the light colour produced. However, this
would lead to substantial loss of intensity, thereby canceling
out the particular advantages gained. i.e. Increased driver
concentration and reflection of the road marking etc of white
light.
8. Doesn't the use of Xenon lamps cause more irritation amongst other
drivers?
The International regulations governing
light distribution and intensity on the road are very strict.
Xenon light falls well within these standards. Technically
speaking , xenon lighting is less irritating than halogen
lamps. This is because the light darkness transition border
are much more clearly defined. Less light is reflected into
the eyes of oncoming drivers.
The increased light output is used to give more homogeneous
light distribution and to improve the illumination of the
verges. The above are only achieved if the following 3 International
regulation conditions are met.
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The
headlamps must be correctly aligned according to the regulations.
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The
vehicle must be fitted with an automatic headlamp leveling
system.
-
The
vehicle is fitted with an automatic headlight cleaning
system. Without such the dirt acts as a diffuser for the
light and distributes it in areas beyond the prescribed
range.
9. Why is it that Xenon light sometimes causes irritation to oncoming drivers?
In normal conditions drivers look straight
ahead. Due however to the conspicuous colour of the new technology
drivers are more inclined to look into other cars headlights.
The
same phenomenon was experienced with the introduction of halogen
lamps in the sixties. In those days drivers spoke of those
'irritating white lights'. Everybody will gradually become
accustomed to this type of light as they did to the introduction
of yellow lights in France and the use of a third brake light.
10. Why is xenon light so expensive?
Xenon lighting is not just merely the question
of a new type of lamp but a whole system consisting of :
-
A
highly complex and hi-tech lamp, manufactured to the very
highest standards of precision
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An
electronic ballast and starter. The manufacture of the
electronic ballast in particular requires very very complex
technology.
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Automatic
leveling and cleaning systems
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