Why Does a Xenon Flash Lamp Not Drop to 0V After Firing? Understanding Residual Voltage & Arc Sustaining Voltage
You charge a xenon flash lamp to several hundred volts. It fires, produces a bright flash – but when you measure the anode voltage immediately after, you see 30V, 45V, or even 60V instead of zero.
Is something wrong? No. This is a fundamental property of all xenon flash lamps, regardless of shape (linear, helical, U-shaped, or ring) or operating voltage. This article explains the physics behind residual voltage and arc sustaining voltage.