Ksenonvalot

Ksenonvalot, also known as xenon arc lamps, are high-intensity discharge lamps that produce bright, white light by igniting xenon gas. They were developed in the 1970s by physicist Clare P. Blush and others in the United States, and they quickly found application in automotive headlights and stage lighting due to their high luminous efficacy and color rendering.

The lamp operates by passing a high-voltage electric discharge through gas-filled xenon and metal salts. When the current begins, the gas ionizes and emits a broad-spectrum light that approximates daylight. The lamp requires a starter or an electronic ballast to maintain a stable arc, which limits its use in some portable or low-power devices. The overall efficiency of xenon lamps exceeds that of traditional halogen bulbs, delivering roughly 100-150 lumens per watt compared to 15-25 lumens per watt for halogen.

In automotive lighting, xenon headlights provide a bluer, brighter illumination that improves visibility at night. However, the higher operating temperatures and voltage requirements have led to the adoption of LED technology in recent years. In theatrical and studio lighting, xenon lamps are prized for their color fidelity and controllable beam, making them useful for spotlights and floodlights. They are also used in photographic flash units and in some industrial processes where intense, short-duration light is required.

Xeonvalot are typically more expensive than conventional lamps and have a lifespan of about 2,000–4,000 hours. They are regulated in various safety and environmental contexts, and certain countries require specific headlights for vehicle homologation. Despite the growth of LED alternatives, xenon lamps remain a well‑established option for applications demanding high-intensity, continuous illumination.