Microwave assisted flashlamps

摘要

A system and method for operating a dual electrode flashlamp. The method employs steps of applying an electrical potential between a pair of electrodes of the dual electrode flashlamp; and irradiating a region behind one of said electrodes with microwave energy. The system has a flashlamp bulb; a first electrode positioned at one end of the flashlamp bulb; a second electrode positioned at another end of the flashlamp bulb; and a microwave energy source positioned to direct microwave energy at the flashlamp bulb.