Experience unmatched luminance, tight beam control, and proven performance. Short-arc high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps remain a trusted solution for stage, concert, and touring productions

Short-arc HID lamps generate light by striking an electric arc across a very small gap between two closely spaced electrodes within a high-pressure gas-filled envelope. This compact arc produces a highly concentrated and intense point of light, ideal for applications requiring precision and brilliance.

In entertainment lighting, short-arc HID lamps are the powerhouse behind the sharp beams, vivid effects, and long-throw visuals that define today’s most spectacular shows.

Key characteristics:

• Luminance: Up to 10,000+ cd/mm²
• Beam angles: 2–10° with suitable optics
• Spectral output: Rich in visible wavelengths, ideal for visual effects
• Small light source: Compact arc gap for precise beam shaping

These properties make short-arc HID lamps uniquely suited for applications where  brightness, focus, and visual impact are essential.

Discover our SIRIUS HRI lamp portfolio

While solid-state light sources such as LEDs and lasers excel in many applications, short-arc lamp technology continues to offer superior beam intensity, precision, and cost-effectiveness – particularly in narrow-beam fixtures.

High-brightness LED setups can generate strong output at wider beam angles, but they are still limited by their luminance – the measure of how much light is emitted, reflected, or transmitted from a surface in a particular direction. 

In beam fixtures that require tightly focused, parallel light, LED systems face inherent physical constraints: either the beam angle must be drastically reduced, or a significant portion of the light is lost.

In contrast, short-arc HID lamps deliver luminance levels that are 5 to 10 times higher than those of LEDs. This enables a concentrated, high-intensity beam that penetrates haze and reaches greater distances. They offer beam quality comparable to lasers, but without the associated regulatory challenges or high costs.

In short: it’s a mature, well-proven technology that remains the top choice for high-impact, narrow-beam applications – for example, in fixtures like Claypaky’s Ultimo Sharpy, which is powered by HID lamp technology.

Extreme brightness

Short-arc HID lamps like SIRIUS HRI can exceed 10,000 cd/mm², enabling brilliant beams that cut through ambient light and reach across large venues.

Tight beam control

Thanks to their compact arc gap, short-arc HID lamps enable narrow beam angles (as low as 2°) when combined with precision optics in the fixture. This makes them ideal for long-throw effects, crisp gobos, and high-impact visuals.

Compact & powerful

The small form factor allows for precise optical control – ideal for beam and hybrid fixtures in touring, theater, and live events.

Thermal resilience

The lamp systems are engineered to manage high thermal loads effectively, even in high-wattage applications. This makes them a strong choice for demanding environments where consistent performance under heat stress is essential.

Proven on stage

Short-arc HID technology continues to power some of the most iconic stage productions and touring rigs. The Claypaky Ultimo Sharpy is a prime example – showcasing what’s possible when high-performance fixtures meet high-luminance short-arc high intensity discharge lamps

Sustainability-minded design

With a long lifespan of up to 6,000 hours – reducing waste and replacement frequency – and fewer raw materials, simpler end-of-life recycling, and no need for large heatsinks or complex electronics, short-arc HID lamps support more sustainable fixture designs: lighter, more compact, and easier to transport.