Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a spark gap device that includes a first electrode having a first surface and a second electrode having a second surface offset from and facing the first surface. The spark gap device also includes a cantilevered component coupled to the first electrode that is configured to generate a field emission, a corona discharge or both, to emit light toward at least the first surface such that photons are incident on the first surface and cause electron emission from the first surface. The spark gap device may not include a radioactive component.