Photoflash capacitor
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A photoflash capacitor is a low capacitance, high voltage capacitor used in flash cameras, professional flashes, and solid-state laser power supplies. Their typical purpose is to power a high voltage flash tube, which then illuminates a photographic target or optically pumps a laser rod. As flash tubes require very high current to operate, photoflash capacitors are designed to safely supply high discharge currents without excessive internal heating.
Nominal voltage for a small camera's photoflash capacitor ranges from 300-330 volts. The nominal capacitance is around 80-160 µF (microfarads) in most disposable cameras. Their temperature ratings are often mediocre in comparison to other capacitors, typically 55°C (compared to 85°C or greater for regular capacitors). Professional photoflashes may have larger flash tubes, and contain larger capacitors to supply the appropriate power.
Due to their ability to deliver a pulse of high current, photoflash capacitors are sometimes used in railgun and coilgun designs.