I always thought it was just a strobe light with a battery pack.
yes I agree
you mean a strobe light? the bulb is way too small to be a strobe light... at least i could not find a Strobe light with such look...
Perhaps it was just a studio prop department mock up of a strobe light.
I think the strobe light option is probably correct. Remember, it is a fictional programme, so things aren't necessarily like real life - unless you believe everything in Star Trek actually happens. :)