Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp having a pair of electrodes with a space of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm inclusive between them and disposed in an arc tube. An electrical discharge takes place between the electrodes. Each of the electrodes has an electrode rod and a head that is provided at the discharge side end of the electrode rod and having a larger diameter than the electrode rod. A surface of the head being opposite to the other electrode is convexly curved and a protruding part is formed in the vicinity of the center portion of the end of the head.

Abstract: A high-pressure metal halide arc discharge lamp having an arc tube with a pair of main electrodes disposed within the tube at opposite ends and a starting electrode located adjacent one of the main electrodes. A tubular sleeve of insulating material, such as quartz, is disposed about the starting electrode, which is recessed within the sleeve but exposed through the open end thereof to the interior atmosphere of the arc tube. Since the starting electrode does not project beyond the open end of the sleeve, conduction between that electrode and the adjacent main electrode is minimized or prevented during normal lamp operation, thereby minimizing or preventing electrolysis.