In pulsed laser systems, flashlamps are often simmered during the period of time between the main discharge pulses. Simmering is nothing more than allowing a trickle current (50mA to 10A) to flow in the lamp between pulses. Flashlamp simmering is beneficial for two reasons. First, having an established conduction path in the flashlamp at the time of the main discharge pulse results in less variation in shot to shot pulse energy. Second, because arc expansion during the pulse is less violent, lamp lifetimes are improved in simmered systems. In general, both stability and lamp lifetime improve with increasing simmer current.

AMI's simmer supplies are powered from a 24VDC source and provide both a built-in automatic ignition restrike circuit and a post-flash boost mechanism. These features minimize the possibility of missing pulses when operating with a continuous train of laser pulses.

Data Sheets (PDF format) are available for models listed below.

862A	160mA	45W	1300V	Up to 300V	-550V @ 66mJ	500mA for 4ms

863	300mA	45W	1300V	Up to 150V	-550V @ 66mJ	1A for 4ms

864	Up to 500mA	60W	Up to 1500V	Up to 300V	-520V @ 63mJ	800mA for 8ms

866	120mA	28W	1150V	Up to 250V	-350V @ 20mJ	400mA for 2ms

867	150mA	28W	1150V	Up to 250V	-350V @ 20mJ	400mA for 2ms

Common Specifications: Efficiency 75%, input 24-32VDC, ignition restrike rate approx. 30Hz, post-flash boost disabled >30Hz
Options: "Simmer On" Sense Indicator (standard on Model 864).

* Specifications subject to change without notice.