Abstract: A hollow-cathode type metal ion laser for producing white light includes a gas-filled tubular envelope and a hollow cathode located within the tubular enelope. The hollow cathode has holes formed in a side wall portion thereof and a bore therein. The hollow-cathode type metal ion laser preferably includes a plurality of metal-containing reservoirs for diffusing vapor of the metal into the bore through the holes. Each of the metal-containing reservoirs forms a portion of the tubular envelope and is preferably disposed next to one of the holes. Further, each of the metal-containing reservoirs preferably extends downwardly. Main anodes one near each of the holes, are preferably disposed one within each of the metal-containing reservoirs. The tubular envelope preferably includes subanodes disposed on within each end portion of the tubular envelope to confine the metal vapor within the bore.