A hollow-cathode lamp comprises an anode (8) and a hollow cathode (14) opposed to an output window (3) in a bulb (4) having the output window (3); a cylindrical hood (20) having a hole (22) in its side and having an open end (20a) connected with a hollow cathode (14) and the other open end (20b) opposed to the output window (3); and an electron source (24) arranged to face the hole (22). A thermoelectron discharge takes place between the electron source (24) and the anode (8).
