Abstract: A noble-gas flashlamp having a self-replenishing mercury-pool cathode. The lamp includes a lamp envelope which is transparent to UV radiation and which forms a linearly extending discharge chamber for holding a noble gas discharge material. At the cathode end of the discharge chamber the envelope forms a cavity or bubble communicating with the discharge chamber. The cathode of the lamp is formed by a cathode electrode and a pool of liquid mercury in the cavity. The electrode is both electrically and thermally conducting, and the pool of liquid mercury covers the electrode and is in heat exchange relation with the electrode in the cavity. For enhanced heat transfer the cathode electrode extends beyond the lamp envelope so that it may be brought into direct contact with the lamp coolant material. The anode comprises an electrically and thermally conducting anode electrode at said anode end of the discharge chamber.

Abstract: A method for destruction of toxic compounds through direct ultraviolet irradiation. Continuum UV radiation from the deep region of the spectrum is applied to the target medium in pulsed fashion with a specified range of power ratios and average power. Enhanced destruction of undesirable toxins is achieved when the ratio of rms power to average power falls in characteristic range of 50:1 to 200:1; the ratio of peak power to average power falls in the characteristic range of 1000:1 to 10,000:1; and the average power density is maintained at least at a value of about 0.5 Watt/cm.sup.2 within the carrier medium.

Abstract: An ultraviolet processing chamber for treating contaminated waste water and the like. The processing chamber includes a chamber body defining a passageway through which the water under treatment flows. An enclosed volume is defined which contains an array of linear UV lamps and which includes a protective wall formed of a material substantially transparent to UV radiation. The protective wall is disposed with respect to the flow passageway so as to permit UV radiation to pass in substantial amounts into the flow passageway to irradiate the water or other substance under treatment. For ease of maintenance the array of UV lamps is contained in a module which is removable from the remainder of the processing chamber. More specifically, the lamps are mounted on a base portion, which may be secured in position on the chamber, and the plurality of lamps forming the array extend into the enclosed volume separated from the substance under treatment by the protective wall.