What is the difference between xenon lights and halogen lights?

[IrisRose]

Xenon lights and halogen lights differ in the following aspects: 1. Visual perception: Xenon lights emit light by activating gas with high voltage, resembling sunlight; halogen lights produce warm light from heated tungsten filaments, appearing reddish. 2. Luminous intensity: A 35W xenon light can generate strong light of approximately 3200 lumens, while a 55W halogen headlight bulb only provides about 1000 lumens of brightness. Xenon lights refer to headlights filled with a mixture of rare gases including xenon, which create an arc between electrodes to emit light through internal starters and electronic ballasts. The working principle of halogen lights is equivalent to converting a point light source into parallel light through a parabolic lens, thereby providing illumination for vehicles.

[VonAngelo]

I've driven for over a decade and changed several sets of lights. The main differences between xenon and halogen lights lie in their working principles. Halogen lights are essentially upgraded incandescent bulbs, relying on tungsten filaments to glow when electrified, producing yellowish light that offers soft road illumination but limited brightness. Xenon lights are different—they generate light by high-voltage discharge between electrodes to excite xenon gas, producing a bright white beam upon startup that resembles lightning, offering longer range and better energy efficiency. However, in rainy conditions, the yellow light of halogen lamps penetrates haze more effectively, while the white light of xenon lamps tends to reflect off moisture. Additionally, retrofitting xenon lights requires installing ballasts, and replacing a xenon bulb costs over twice as much as a halogen bulb, though their lifespan can outlast three to four halogen bulbs.

[SanJohnny]

Auto repair shops frequently encounter lighting system issues, with the fundamental difference between xenon and halogen lights lying in their structure. Halogen bulbs are simply a glass envelope with a tungsten filament inside, replaceable for just a few dozen yuan. Xenon lights, however, consist of a sealed quartz tube filled with high-pressure xenon gas, which forms an arc between two electrodes when electrified, producing light—similar to the principle of a welding torch's arc. This is why xenon lights have a half-second delay before reaching full brightness upon startup and are prone to creating halos in rainy or foggy conditions. In terms of brightness, xenon lights are superior, but it's crucial to note the importance of factory-matched lenses. Improperly retrofitting xenon lights without appropriate lenses can dazzle oncoming drivers, a practice that harms others without benefiting oneself.

[LeAdriel]

As an engineering student, I've researched car light parameters. Xenon lights achieve three times the luminous efficacy of halogen bulbs. Simply put, a 55w halogen bulb outputs 1000 lumens, while a 35w xenon light can reach 3200 lumens. Their spectra also differ - halogen lights lean yellow at the 550nm wavelength band, whereas xenon lights produce blue-white light at 450nm with better color rendering. However, their excessively high color temperature reduces asphalt road reflectivity by 20%, which explains why some find xenon lights glaring yet poor for visibility. Additionally, xenon lights contain mercury vapor and require specialized recycling after disposal.