High-pressure discharge lamp light-up device, high-pressure discharge lamp apparatus using same, projector using high-pressure discharge lamp apparatus, and light-up method for high-pressure discharge lamp

Abstract

A high-pressure discharge lamp lighting device that suppresses deterioration and the expansion of inter-electrode distance in a pair of electrodes within a high-pressure discharge lamp, more effectively than conventional technology. The frequency of the AC current supplied to a high-pressure discharge lamp alternates between a first frequency and a second, higher frequency, while the magnitude of the AC current alternates between a first value and a second, higher value. The suppressing effect is realized by repeatedly alternating the frequency and repeatedly alternating between a first period at the first frequency and a second period at the second frequency, with the second, higher-magnitude current being used in the latter and the first current being used in the former.