The carbon arc lamp was invented in the early 1800s by Humphry Davy. The lamp consists of two carbon rods that are positioned close together but not touching, with a source of electricity applied between them. When the power is turned on, an intense electric arc forms between the two tips of the rods, producing a bright light. This invention was a major breakthrough for lighting technology at the time and paved the way for many modern lighting innovations, such as metal halide, high pressure sodium, and others.
Featured image courtesy of Fine Art America.
