original_query: What is the purpose of applying a high voltage pulse to the cooling water in water-cooled flashtubes?
query: What is the purpose of applying a high voltage pulse to the cooling water in water-cooled flashtubes?
answer: In water-cooled flashtubes, the high-voltage pulse is sometimes applied directly to the cooling water (and often to the housing) to trigger the flashtube.  This method requires care due to the system's inherent risk.