Xenon Flash Tube of Small Size

Abstract

A xenon-filled electronic flash tube with a cylindrical lighted volume of 1.2-mm diam and 6-mm length has been developed for use as a small source in optical systems, such as the schlieren and interferometer types. The lamp has been operated at 6000 flashes per second from a hydrogen-thyratron driver circuit to record the density in air flow in an interferometer. Flash duration varies from 0.3 to 3 μsec, depending upon the circuit conditions. A peak brightness of 10 million candlepower per sq cm has been achieved.