Abstract: Arcing is minimized in a discharge chamber of a gas laser system by utilizing an electrode which comprises a surface portion capable of functioning as one of an anode and a cathode in order to energize a gas mixture in a discharge chamber of the gas discharge laser system, a shoulder portion being positioned on either side of the surface portion and being exposed to the gas mixture, and a coating layer made of electrically insulating material, wherein the coating layer is attached to the shoulder portion by a cold spraying method.

Abstract: A pedal system that has a force resetting device essentially including a pedal lever with a pedal return spring that can bring the pedal lever into the neutral position (PN), an electric motor that can be swiveled about a pivot (M) and can, in the energized state, apply a resetting force (F) to the pedal lever in the direction of the neutral position (PN) of the pedal lever, a motor return spring for resetting the electric motor in the direction of the neutral position (MN) of the electric motor, and a control unit for controlling the electric motor. The electric motor includes a rotor and a stator which is arranged on the shaft of the electric motor, between the rotor and the drive disk.

Abstract: A method for regulating motor vehicle speed by a pedal system having a force resetting device, including a pedal lever with a pedal return spring which can move the pedal lever to its zero position, an electric motor pivotable about a center of rotation which, when energized, can apply a resetting force to the pedal lever in the zero position direction, a motor return spring resets the electric motor in the zero position direction of the electric motor, and a control unit for controlling the electric motor. When the electric motor is de-energized, the pedal return spring, the motor return spring and a hysteresis element generate a passive pedal characteristic curve (PPCC). The PPCC can be changed by energizing the electric motor, and is variable additively at maximum with the available torque of the electric motor and substractively in the region of the spring constant of the motor return spring.

Abstract: Arcing is minimized in a discharge chamber of a gas laser system by utilizing an electrode which comprises a surface portion capable of functioning as one of an anode and a cathode in order to energize a gas mixture in a discharge chamber of the gas discharge laser system, a shoulder portion being positioned on either side of the surface portion and being exposed to the gas mixture, and a coating layer made of electrically insulating material, wherein the coating layer is attached to the shoulder portion by a cold spraying method.

Abstract: Arcing is minimized in a discharge chamber of a gas laser system by utilizing an electrode which comprises a surface portion capable of functioning as one of an anode and a cathode in order to energize a gas mixture in a discharge chamber of the gas discharge laser system, a shoulder portion being positioned on either side of the surface portion and being exposed to the gas mixture, and a coating layer made of electrically insulating material, wherein the coating layer is attached to the shoulder portion by a cold spraying method.

Abstract: Arcing can be minimized in a discharge chamber of an excimer or molecular fluorine laser system by utilizing an improved electrode structure. An electrode structure can include at least one ceramic spoiler positioned near the discharge region of the electrode. An insulating ceramic spoiler can reduce the effective area over which arcing can occur, and can reduce the likelihood of arcing by improving the flow of gas between the electrodes, such as by allowing for design flexibility and reducing the necessary height of a nose portion used to control the discharge area of the electrode. An improved blower design, which can utilize improved bearings and a dry film lubricant, can help to circulate the laser gas between the electrode structures, such as at a speed of at least 30 m/s in order to operate the laser at repetition rates of 4 kHz or higher.

Abstract: The lifetime of the laser gas in a laser system such as an excimer laser can be increased by changing the way in which the laser system is sealed. In addition to primary seals used to seal the reservoir chamber and discharge channel, at least one secondary seal can be used between the primary seals and the surrounding environment in order to further prevent permeation of impurities into the discharge chamber, as well as to create an intermediate gas volume. A controlled atmosphere can be generated in the intermediate gas volume, which can be at a slightly higher pressure than the surrounding environment in order to resist the flow of impurities through the secondary seal(s). Further, a flow of purge gas can be introduced into the controlled atmosphere in order to carry away any impurities that leak through the secondary seal(s).

Abstract: A tangential blower for use in a gas discharge laser is provided provides improved homogeneity of laser gas flow through the discharge region of the laser. A flange which supports adjacent blower sections has an aerodynamic shape and occupies a minimal portion of the space in the inlet region of the blowers. The ends of the blower's shafts may be formed as a twice-profiled polygon which is has a non-uniform and preferably rounded geometry along its longitudinal axis where it fits into end flanges. The blades of the blower may be formed with varying thickness and radii of curvature. The blower's blades and hubs may be cast as a single piece of steel, titanium alloy, or other suitable material.

Abstract: An excimer or molecular fluorine laser system includes a discharge tube filled with a gas mixture, multiple electrodes within the discharge tube and connected to a discharge circuit for energizing the gas mixture, a resonator for generating a laser beam, and at least one window structure including a first window and a second window. The first window initially seals the discharge tube and transmits the beam. The second window is initially unexposed to the gas mixture. The window structure is configured such that the second window is movable into position for sealing the discharge tube and transmitting the beam when the first window becomes contaminated.

Abstract: Arcing can be minimized in a discharge chamber of an excimer or molecular fluorine laser system by utilizing an improved electrode structure. An electrode structure can include at least one ceramic spoiler positioned near the discharge region of the electrode. An insulating ceramic spoiler can reduce the effective area over which arcing can occur, and can reduce the likelihood of arcing by improving the flow of gas between the electrodes, such as by allowing for design flexibility and reducing the necessary height of a nose portion used to control the discharge area of the electrode. An improved blower design, which can utilize improved bearings and a dry film lubricant, can help to circulate the laser gas between the electrode structures, such as at a speed of at least 30 m/s in order to operate the laser at repetition rates of 4 kHz or higher.