hid lamps (sodium and halide) are used for outdoor lighting they are sensitive to momentary power interruptions (even the smallest ones that dont make computers reboot) and mechanical stress (like beating the electrical pole with the lamp). they extinguish and need some minutes to cool down before they strike again i thnk it should be possible to kick out the lamps with emp (electro magntic pulse) as well. how strong pulse is needed to affect this kind of lamp ? is it possible to pack such energy in a portable device ?