A method for studying the pressure and temperature dependence of rare gas halide and halogen emissions is described. The tesla discharge utilized in this method is characterized in detail with respect to its temporal behavior and its radiant output. The light is found to be produced in moderately intense pulses as short as 0.5 &mgr;s in duration. Average dc radiant powers for strong emitters can exceed 5 mW. The method appears suitable for the study of most emitters that can be produced by electron beam excitation.