Abstract: A xenon flash tube is disclosed utilizing a particular borosilicate glass for the lamp envelope which is sealed directly by hermetic seal to inleads of a metal alloy predominantly of iron, nickel and cobalt. Additionally, said flash tube employs particular electron emission means in the form of a porous sintered body of refractory metal having an electron emissive material dispersed therein. This flash tube construction can be operated at reasonably high energy loadings for an extended number of flashes without experiencing significant light output deterioration.

Abstract: A discharge type electric lamp construction is described having electrode means which include a porous sintered body of refractory metal having an electron emissive material containing cesium ion dispersed in the pores of said porous sintered body as Cs.sub.2 MO.sub.4 wherein M is a refractory metal. Said electron emissive material is preferably employed in combination with another electron emissive material containing barium ions to provide a lower breakdown voltage as well as operating voltage characteristics for said discharge lamps. Representative electron emissive materials containing barium ions include barium aluminate and barium tungstate materials.

Abstract: A multiple flash lamp array contains a sequentially switching lamp flashing circuit in the form of a printed circuit on a surface of a circuit board. A metal shield is provided over the other surface of the circuit board to reduce the possibility of accidental flashing of lamps by electrostatic voltage, which flashing tends to occur particularly when high voltage types of lamps are used in the array. Preferably, the shield is connected electrically to a lead-in wire of each lamp in the array, and also is connected electrically to a conductive reflector member positioned near the other side of the circuit board from the shield.