Ceramic Metal Halide

Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) represents the state-of-the-art in point-source, gaseous discharge lighting. It builds upon Pulse-Start Metal Halide technology by incorporating an arc-tube formed of ceramic material (in contrast to the traditional quartz design) similar to that of High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lamps. The unique properties of ceramic permit the arc tube to be operated at higher temperature, which allows CMH to achieve all the benefits of Pulse-Start Metal Halide with the addition of improved color and lumen maintenance properties.

With a color rendering index (CRI) in excess of 90, CMH is among the most spectrally rich light sources available. This impressive attribute makes it particularly desirable for highly color-sensitive applications such as quality inspection, paint, exhibition and retail sales (clothing, marketing). Additionally, the inert nature of the ceramic arc tube suppresses fill gas reactions, which ultimately results in improved color constancy and lumen maintenance over time.

CMH boasts luminous efficacy and color rendering properties that rival the best of available light sources along with the unique, and coveted dimension of point-source optical control. This permits the development of optical systems capable of more efficiently and effectively delivering light to locations where it is needed while providing superior glare control. When combined with an electronic ballast and high performance optical system, Ceramic Metal Halide provides the best overall application performance of any light source.

Related Resources
Point Source Lighting and the Clear Lamp Advantage
Pulse Start Metal Halide Lamps
Induction Lamps