Discharge tubes for a lamp include a body portion with a first end, a
second end, and a tubular member defining an interior area. The tubular
member extends along an elongated axis between the first end and the
second end. The discharge tube further includes a first end portion
provided at the first end of the body portion. The first end portion
includes a first tubular extension having a first through passage in
communication with the interior area. The first end portion further
includes a first transition section connected between the first tubular
extension and the body portion.