A glow discharge starter having an hermetically sealed envelope of vitreous material, a seal located at one end thereof and containing an ionizable medium. A pair of electrical conductors extend through the seal and terminate in a spaced relationship to form a pa ir of electrodes within the envelope. At least one of the electrodes has a bimetallic element secured thereto. A coating comprising lanthanum, nickel and at least one radioactive dopant is disposed on a surface within the envelope. The coating is sufficient to reduce the dark effect by improving the dark starting of the glow discharge starter.
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