| abstract |
(57) [Problem] To provide a low-voltage, ballast-free and energy-efficient ultraviolet energy source. SOLUTION: An ultraviolet light source (15-1, 15-2, ..., 15N) having a gas discharge ultraviolet lamp (14-1, 14-2, ..., 14N) provided with spaced electrodes (16, 17). A low-frequency, high-frequency AC rectangular-wave voltage source connected to the separated electrodes and non-thermo-electron exciting the gas discharge ultraviolet lamp. Since the ignition voltage is not required in the configuration of the present invention, a high voltage as in the related art is not required. Using the flow sensor (26), the intensity of UV generation is proportionally controlled as a function of flow rate. |