Abstract
The term “Gas Arc” has been applied to a recently developed range of xenon-filled discharge tubes operated under conditions which cause them to emit radiation of sunlight quality. The radiation from the Gas Arc is characterised by an intense continuum extending from the ultra violet through the visible region into the infra red.
An introductory section is followed by some considerations of the factors which influenced the development of this new source. The luminous and other characteristics of the Gas Arc in its present form are given, and it is shown that a 5-kw, xenon-filled lamp has an initial efficiency of 25–30 l./w.
The simple circuit arrangement necessary for the ignition and operation of Gas Arc lamps is described.
The concluding sections deal with some of the latest developments in this field and with an examination of possible applications.
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