Low-pressure discharge

A low-pressure discharge occurs when an electric current passes through a gas at low pressure, causing the gas atoms to become ionized (lose electrons). This ionization produces a visible glow, as the energized atoms release light as they return to lower energy states. These discharges are common in fluorescent lights and neon signs, where the low-pressure environment allows the gas to emit specific colors efficiently. Essentially, it’s an electric-initiated process that transforms electrical energy into light within a controlled, low-pressure gas environment.