Method and apparatus for pulsing high power lamps

Abstract

New and advantageous methods related to the design and manufacture of pulsed power systems for a new generation of higher performance flash lamps are disclosed. A reliable and cost-effective pulsed discharge lamp power supply system is provided that promotes PUV lamp efficiency beyond that which is achievable by means of prior art, thereby similarly decreasing the loss factor for both UV radiation and overall electrical energy. Also disclosed is a pulsed discharge lamp power supply system that serves to help prevent lamp envelope fracture and/or light output degradation resulting from the deleterious effects of intense radiation pulses. The pulsed discharge lamp power supply system produces an electrical output that is dynamically impedance-matched with the lamp throughout the entire time span of and the transition sequence between all three operating modes, thereby creating the necessary discharge conditions for optimal lamp operation. For example, the pulsed discharge lamp power supply system produces an ignition mode pulse only when and in the form specifically required for optimal lamp operation; produces a simmer current only when and in the form specifically required for optimal lamp operation; and produces a main discharge current pulse only when and in the temporal-amplitude shape that is specifically required for optimal lamp operation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.