A light source is described for generation of intense constant shape pulses of width as short as 20 nsec at demonstrated repetition rates up to 5 kc. The radiated power in the violet‐green region (3000–5000 Å) of the spectrum was measured at 0.5 W/sr perpendicular to the lamp axis. Lamp configuration, pulser circuitry, and applications to spectroscopy and optical radar are discussed. A simple computer to facilitate the determination of fluorescent lifetimes is described.