Summary of Air Force Exploratory Development Efforts in High Power Illumination Source

摘要

The development of high power (100-500 kilowatt electric, kwe) illumination sources for military airborne applications is described. Lamp classifications, physical characteristics of lamps, and expected overall system efficiencies are discussed. Results of exploratory testing on vortex stabilized arc lamps in the 100-500 kwe range and a long arc, electrode stabilized lamp in the 100-120 kwe range are reviewed. It was shown that at these power levels the vortex arcs have a luminous efficiency of more than 40 lumens per electrical watt and lifetimes of at least 12 hours. Difficulties in anode cooling and quartz envelope contamination were encountered. Experimental results showed that compact, lightweight lamp modules were practical in the 150-200 kwe range. (Author)