Fluorescent lamp and amalgam assembly therefor

1. Field of the Invention An amalgam assembly for a fluorescent lamp includes a glass exhaust tubulation extending toward a base portion of the lamp, the tubulation being closed at an end adjacent the lamp base portion, and a metal cup disposed in the tubulation and retained by a pinched portion of the tubulation. The cup defines an annular outer wall having a free edge extending toward the tubulation closed end, a tubular central core portion extending toward the tubulation closed end, and an annular trough formed by the core portion and the outer wall. A mercury amalgam ball is disposed between the metal cup and the tubulation closed end, a diameter of the ball exceeding an inner diameter of the core portion, and a coating of a metal wetting agent is disposed on interior surfaces of the trough.