Trigger reliability of xenon flashlamps

The probability that a trigger pulse will successfully allow a driver circuit to discharge its energy through a xenon flashlamp is discussed. Based on a classical description of trigger spark formation and propagation statistics, the misflash probability, P
m
, is described in terms of the ionization rate in the flash-lamp, β; the trigger pulsewidth, t
e
; and the normalized trigger pulse overvoltage (V
s
- V
st
)/V
dc
. This model was experimentally validated for series and parallel trigger circuits over a broad range of trigger pulse voltages, V
s
, and pulseforming network voltages, V
B
.