Hollow-cathode generator of nanosecond light pulses

Hollow cathode gas discharge tubes giving pulses of high-intensity light of only about 5ns duration are described. They consist of a tubular Ni cathode covered by a ceramic tube which is directly sealed through the glass anode. A ring anode is placed adjacent to the open end of the cathode. For fast breakdown the tube is allowed to glow continuously, the main discharge pulse being provided by a thyratron circuit. Using hydrogen the peak light output was 0.2 lumen, brightness 140 stilbs (140 candles/cm2) pulse length of 3 ns and 30 kc/s repetition. The source diameter was 0.30."