Abstract: A metal halide lamp comprising a discharge vessel (10) having a translucent ceramic wall enclosing a discharge space (11). The vessel (10) has a cylindrical shape having its largest outer diameter in its central part (12). Two coaxial electrodes (15,16) are embedded in the end parts (13,14) of the vessel (10). The lamp furthermore comprises an outer envelope (5) surrounding the discharge vessel (10), and a current conductor (20) is present between the discharge vessel (10) and the wall (22) of the outer envelope (5). The current conductor (20) is provided with a support member (21) having a contact surface for abutting against the discharge vessel (10).

Abstract: In a lamp having at least one seal of solid light-transmitting material, in which is embedded at least one current-supply foil, visible, I.R. and U.V. radiations which would otherwise be internally reflected from the seal surface are dispersed by providing on the seal either a non-uniform surface region or a light-dispersive coating, thus reducing the temperature of the outer ends of the foil and thereby reducing the risk of failure caused by oxidation. The seal may be formed with ribs or sand blasted or it may be provided with a coating of glass containing reflective particles or gas bubbles.