Full project details are at the project's Hackaday dot io page

The driving electronics is a "class E" self-oscillating circuit. A 1.9µH integrated loop inductor is driven at ~13MHz and ~800V, creating a strong electromagnetic field. This field can energize low-pressure xenon gas into a conductive toroid ring, analogous to the secondary winding of a transformer.

A xenon camera flash subcircuit provides for pushbutton start.

Project images are for the "Bronze edition" board made using the PCBWay "advanced" fabrication, with black FR-4 and transparent soldermask. For standard PCB, I recommend going with black soldermask.

Assembly using reflow or hot-air is recommended.

Caution - strong source of EMI. Do not use near sensitive electronics. Do not touch areas marked "HV" or the board under-side while the circuit is running.