This is the typical circuit from a scanner that drives the flourescent lamp. There is also usually a 2KV capacitor in series with the secondary of the transformer to limit current, etc. They can be used as a general high voltage source for all kinds of things.
Read More Source:
http://www.geocities.com/lgtngstk/Strobe/Strobe.html
http://www.elecfree.com/electronic/mini-flourescent-lamp-inverter/
