A static model for the nanolight discharge.

A stationary model for a spark light source at high current densities and gas pressures is developed. The model assumes that the plasma is in local thermodynamic equilibrium and radiates like a blackbody. The equations employed are the energy balance equation and the circuit equation. The energy balance includes ohmic heating, radiation loss, loss to the boundaries, and ionization. The maximum temperature (radiance) of the source is calculated as a function of gas pressure and initial voltage. A good agreement is found with the previously published experimental results of the nanolight discharge light source. This model is general and can be extended to any high pressure discharge which can be considered stationary.