The History of Fluorescent Lights - ThoughtCoA fluorescent light is a type of electric lamp that excites mercury vapor to create luminescence. The Smithsonian Institute says that Hewitt built on the work of German physicist Julius Plucker and glassblower Heinrich Geissler. Those two men passed an electric current through a glass tube containing tiny amounts of gas and made light. Choice of ColoursThe matching of the illumination level to the desired colour temperature is a key point that is often overlooked in modern lighting design. With the launch of the first fluorescent tubes, the choice of colours was restricted to a single shade of 'White' plus seven vibrant colours. The white was a neutral colour having a CCT of around 4000K. LED Tube Lights vs Fluorescent: Which One Performs Better?Conclusion. LED tubes have almost only advantages compared to fluorescent tubes. After being switched on, these tubes light up immediately with their full light output without flickering. The environmental balance is also very positive due to the absence of mercury and the savings of 40 – 60% in energy consumption. 6 Ways to Block Fluorescent Lights at Work – and 1 Way Not ToWide Brimmed Hats. While this can help to shade the eyes, it’s probably tough to find an office environment where employees are allowed to wear hats all the time (not to mention hat hair). Physical Barriers. To block fluorescent lights at work, many people try draping fabric over cubicle walls or even rigging up an umbrella. Typical fluorescent lighting operates by driving a current through a glass enclosure containing an inert gas along with mercury, and with the help of phosphors, it creates visible light when excited by electricity. Arc lamps are similar in function but create visible light through electrically excited gases (plasma) without the use of phosphors.