Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for a single ended discharge light source. In one embodiment, both leads of a discharge lamp enter from the same side of the lamp. In one embodiment, the leads pass through a base. A bulb is positioned over the base to form a lamp wherein both leads enter the lamp from the same end. In one embodiment, the base is made of glass. In another embodiment, the bulb is made of glass. In one embodiment, the thermal expansion coefficient of the bulb and the base are greater than 1.0*10ˆ -6/K. In another embodiment, the thermal expansion properties of the material used for the leads closely matches the material used for the base. In one embodiment, the power of the discharge lamp is less than 50 watts. In another embodiment, the end of the bulb furthest from the base is a lens.