They DIM? They may work but in an either on or off mode. I thought that fluorescents produced light from the ionized gas which is either in an ionized state or not; a binary state. There may be enough current through a dimmer switch to fire the gas into an ionized state, but not t modify the output except for off.
Please correct me if I am wrong.
3. Can I use a compact fluorescent light bulb with a dimmer switch?
To use a compact fluorescent bulb on a dimmer switch, you must buy a bulb that's specifically made to work with dimmers (check the package). GE makes a dimming compact fluorescent light bulb (called the GE Longlife Plus Soft White Energy Saving Bulb) that is specially designed for use with dimming switches. We don't recommend using regular compact fluorescent bulbs with dimming switches, since this can shorten bulb life. (Using a regular compact fluorescent bulb with a dimmer will also nullify the bulb's warranty.)
http://www.gelighting.com/na/business_lighting/faqs/cfl.htm#3
Fluorescent bulb pass electricity through ionized mercury vapor and generate hard ultraviolet radiation. A phosphor coating on the inside of the glass converts the UV to visible light. The different fluorescent color types are a function of the phosphors used.
I have seen them offered in the catalog my power company sends me. I am not sure of the technology but I know ther are out there.