Xenon flash tube is conducting current but not giving light?

[grizedale]

Hello,

We have two xenon flash tube lamps, but one starngely draws more current than the other one, despite them having the same value tube capacitor.

The one that draws more current charges the tube capacitor up quicker............i wonder if the increased dv/dt is causing the xenon tube to flash over weakly without it being triggered by the trigger electrode?

(ie the tube could be flashing over but not producing light from these little "micro-flashover" events?

 

[D.A.(Tony)Stewart]

Are they identical tubes?
Same age?
Yes could be micro-flashes of positive ESR below the Vt where the device tunnels with negative ESR. Causes unknown at this moment.

 

[grizedale]

thanks
yes, identical tubes.