In order to improve a pumping light source for laser-active media comprising
an
outer member enclosing a gas discharge medium, a first electrode acting as a cathode
and having a first electrode end located within the outer member, a second electrode
acting as an anode and having a second electrode end located within the outer member
and a gas discharge chamber located within the outer member between the electrode
ends facing one another, in such a manner that the service life thereof is longer
it is suggested that the first electrode end be essentially cooled by radiation
and that a predominantly diffuse gas discharge be formed proceeding from an areally
extended surface area located at the first electrode end.