An arc discharge lamp (60) contains an arc tube (62) containing an arc
generating and sustaining medium. The arc tube (62) has at least one
press seal (64). Means (66) for coupling electrical energy to the
interior of the arc tube includes an electrical current-carrying frame
member (68) and in-leads (68a) and (68b) sealed into the lamp stem (90)
and connected to a base (not shown). A starting source (70) comprises a
sealed cavity (72) formed in the press seal (64). A second fill material
is contained within the sealed cavity (72). The starting source (70)
emits ultraviolet radiation when the lamp (60) is energized, which
assists in initiation of the arc discharge within the interior of the arc
tube (62). An electrical energy coupler (74) is provided for coupling
electrical energy to the sealed cavity (72). The electrical energy
coupler (74) comprises an electrically conducting element (76) having a
proximal end (78) affixed to the electrical current-carrying frame (68)
and a distal end (80) overlying the starting source (70), thus providing
a capacitve coupling.