Abstract: A sparker array includes a plurality of sparker sources of sound and light emissions, the plurality of sparker sources arranged in a geometric pattern with respect to a region, the array configured to deliver a maximal acoustic output to the region. Sparker sources may include reflectors. A single electrical source to drive a sparker array may be employed. A sparker system may include two or more sparker arrays. A time delay may be employed to trigger electrical circuits of the sparker arrays. Sparker arrays may be used to deliver shock waves with increased operational life, consistency and efficacy for specific applications.

Abstract: A reflector employs materials and design features that can transfer both light and sound emission simultaneously, from sources to planes or volumes, in an efficient and controlled manner. Compound orthogonal parabolic reflectors employ an extension onto conventional orthogonal parabolic reflectors to efficiently deliver light and/or sound to a focal volume or surface. The extension shapes the output, and can provide inflow and outflow to the focal region, along with a brush. Pulsed sources may be employed, which may emit light, sound or both light and sound, may erode and may be wire initiated with the wire replaced after each pulse by a wire feed.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp includes a dielectric substrate, a first electrode near the dielectric substrate, a second electrode spaced from the first electrode and near the dielectric substrate, with a discharge gas contained and enclosed by a shaped reflector and window. The reflector shapes are adapted to the particular process. The lamp to be used in volumetric chambers with high reflectivity walls and in arrangements of multiple lamps for high processing rates and long penetration lengths. Erosion of the dielectric is controlled by the use of high-pressure gases, and filtration and the use of electric fields reduce lamp contamination. The dielectric and electrodes are gas cooled on the outside and through the use of perforated electrodes. A small diameter tubular dielectric is used to increase light emission, improve re-imaging capability and increase the electrical impedance.

Abstract: An impulsive acoustic and radiation source is provided that maintains a constant electrode gap to provide efficient and long life operation. In one implementation the electrodes have a “toaster” arrangement. In another implementation the electrodes have a double annulus arrangement. The electrode gap may be maintained by interposing a non-electrically conducting material between the electrodes. In another implementation the electrode gap is maintain by the insertion of electrodes into a base. Also, the electrodes may be coated with a non-electrically conduction material. In alternative implementation, efficient and long life operation is achieved by feeding a material between widely spaced electrodes. In certain implementations an exothermic material is fed to increase the strength of the impulse from the sparker. Also, reflectors and enclosures are employed that increase the output utilization of the source.

Abstract: A reflector employs shapes that transfer light and sound emission from sources to planes or volumes in an efficient and controlled manner. Reflector troughs employ shaped ends that increase the efficiency of utilizing output from sources, improve uniformity and project light outside the footprint of the reflector. A slanted trough reflector projects light out one or both ends of the trough outside the footprint of the reflector. Axi-symmetric and linear-symmetric reflectors provide directionality for specific applications. Sources that erode are enclosed by shaped reflectors to maintain directionality as the source erodes.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp includes a dielectric substrate, a first electrode near the dielectric substrate, a second electrode spaced from the first electrode and near the dielectric substrate, a conductor spaced from the dielectric substrate, and adapted to provide a current return from one of said electrodes to an electrical driver circuit, and at least one metal element near the dielectric substrate. The electrical driver circuit is constructed to produce an electric potential sufficient to cause an electrical breakdown of a medium between the electrodes. The lamp and metal element are also arranged to enable a coolant to flow adjacent to at least one surface of the dielectric substrate to transfer heat from the dielectric substrate to the coolant.

Abstract: An impulsive acoustic radiation source includes an enclosure disposed about an impulse generator to control the generated acoustic spectrum. In some implementations, the impulse source includes electrically nonconducting materials disposed so as to provide a compact means to complete the electrical circuit. In certain implementations, the impulse source includes a restrictor that mechanically guides a "cavity" produced by the pulsed electrical discharge. In other implementations, multiple impulse sources are disposed within an enclosure having walls or other means to define an enclosure for each specific source. Arrangements of multiple impulse sources connected in series and driven by a single circuit and having a reflector disposed about the impulse source or sources are disclosed.