Park's first innovation since the days of the codebreakers ...

(THE CITIZEN October 21, 2004)

Park's first innovation since the days of the codebreakers

A REVOLUTIONARY ultra-bright light bulb the size of a Tic Tac mint has made history at Bletchley Park.     The innovative plasma lamp - the first scientific breakthrough at the park since Britain's WW2 codebreaking - was unveiled at the opening of the new Bletchley Park Science and Innovation Centre on Friday.     The bulb's developer Charles Guthrie, of Ceravision - the first high-tech firm based at the centre - could not demonstrate its power to the dignitaries present as it could have blinded them without the correct protective eyewear.     Mr Guthrie, who has been aided by £1 million funding and a small team of engineers at the centre over the past 12 months, explained the bulb's benefits.     "Its main use is for TVs," he said.     "Its brightness is better than any other bulb around, and it will get rid of flickers on the screen.     "It will last longer - you can play football with it and it won't break - and it is cheaper than existing bulbs."     The exceptionally high output lamp generates very focused white light, which has no ultraviolet and little infrared.     It is expected to last well over 10,000 hours, compared to the standard projection lamp which lasts a maximum of 2,000 hours.     The bulb will also be used for major industrial lighting sectors such as horticulture and airport networks.     Chris Williams, director of Ceravision, told the Citizen that engineers are working on expanding the technology for home lighting.     "We do think it could be developed to give out daylight quality light in the home," he said.     "We could be ready to put it out within three or four years."     The science and innovation centre was created through a joint venture between the Bletchley Park Trust, which is restoring the historic site, and local technology and finance group Milton Keynes Capital Partners.

High-tech opening     The new high-tech Bletchley Park Science Innovation Centre was officially opened by Lord Sainsbury this week.     The Minister of Science and Innovation unveiled a plaque marking the occasion, before he was given a tour of the premises by scientists.     He told the Citizen: "This looks an exciting innovation centre.     "We need more places like this in the country.     "Its positioning geographically and its good history suggests to me that it's going to be a great success."     The science and innovation centre was created through a joint venture between the Bletchley Park Trust, which is restoring the historic site, and local technology and finance group Milton Keynes Capital Partners.     Article by Jon Boyle