Abstract: The present invention involves a short arc discharge lamp having a quartz envelope with a bulb and a plurality of arms having a specified cross-section, and wherein one or more electrode rods are supported within the lamp arms for specific alignment. Support elements for the electrode rods are made of high temperature metal and have a flat central portion with a central orifice of sufficient dimension to permit one of the electrode rods to pass into the central orifice, and have at least two legs, and preferably four legs, radially extending from the flat central portion. The legs have outer portions terminating with pods formed at substantially right angles to the flat central portion of the support element, the legs being of sufficient length to fit the support element within a specified cross-section of the envelope arms so as to contact an inside surface of the envelope arms with the pods. There is also provided means for securing the support elements within the envelope arms.