RUGGEDIZED FLASHLAMP EXHIBITING HIGH AVERAGE POWER AND LONG LIFE

摘要

A flashlamp provides a ruggedized yet simple-to-manufacture construction capable of operating at high average output power over a long life. The flashlamp construction includes a glass tube (12) with an electrode assembly (24) detachably secured to each end. The electrode assembly includes an end cap (26) to which an electrode support (28) is attached, with a first end (32) of the electrode support protruding inside of the glass tube, and a second end (44) of the electrode support protruding outside of the glass tube. The electrode support (28) is made from a suitable electrical conductor. An electrode (34) is threaded onto the first end of the electrode support (28) without the use of brazing or other attachment techniques that might introduce impurities. An electrode lug (36) is attached to or near the second end of the electrode support, outside of the glass tube, and provides a means for making electrical contact with the electrode (34). The end cap includes threads (30) so as to engage corresponding threads (22) on the inside of an attachment ring (16). One attachment ring is secured and sealed to each end of the glass tube. The electrode assemblies are attached to each end of the glass tube by simply threading the end caps into the attachment rings. An indium washer (42) placed between the end cap and attachment ring effectuates a vacuum seal between the end cap and glass tube.