Physical Characteristics of Xenon Flashtubes

Frank S. Barnes

The physical characteristics of xenon flashtubes are reviewed. In particular, the spectral output of xenon lamps is discussed in terms of watts per unit wavelength for different wavelengths and current densities. Attention is given to the effects of varying the pressure, length and diameter of the flashtube on the total light output, and the conversion efficiency of electrical to optical power. Additionally, the influence of the exciting pulse shape on the conversion efficiency is described, along with some problems in impedance matching for the driving source.

Print ISSN
Published
1964-07
Content type
Original Research
DOI
10.5594/J12074