Abstract: A high temperature laser solenoid incorporates a combination of thermally and electrically insulating components to replace and to exceed the operating limits of epoxy encapsulation which solenoid is used in cooperation with a mechanically driven cooling air flow. The solenoid construction includes a layer of high temperature resistant, electrical insulation assembled on an aluminum bobbin adapted for coil winding so as to create a solenoid. High temperature insulated magnet wire is wound into a coil on the bobbin and the coil is covered with an additional high temperature resistant, electrically insulating film layer. Wire leads are passed through notches formed through the insulation barrier and the bobbin flanges and the solenoid is covered by an intimately contacting preformed heat conductive tubular casing.

Abstract: A gas replenishment system for a gas laser utilizes a gas metering device between a gas reservoir and the gas laser tube which operates at a pressure below the gas reservoir pressure. The metering device incorporates a body of gas entrapping material. The tube pressure is detected and when low an electrically controlled valve is energized for a predetermined time which allows gas to flow from the reservoir, into the gas entrapping material and from there to the tube. If the tube pressure is not restored to its proper level, the system recycles for another equivalent period of time.

Abstract: A gas laser tube assembly terminates at one end with a directly affixed selectively coated curved mirror and at the opposite end with a directly affixed selectively coated half-Littrow prism oriented such that one hundred percent (100%) purity, single line, polarized light results.

Abstract: A plurality of thin wall ceramic-metal segments are brazed together to form a gas laser tube assembly. Within each segment there is mounted a refractory metal ferrule with a central hole. The series of holes formed in the ferrules define the discharge bore. A plurality of ferrules are mounted in each segment and each ferrule is separately mounted within a heat dissipating fin structure.

Abstract: A gas laser tube is fitted with internal mirrors only and no windows. The laser tube is processed by heating the tube with the ends open in a vacuum oven to drive out contaminating substances. The mirrors are installed by cold welding after the tube has been decontaminated and filled with a fresh supply of its operating gas. The mirrors mount on flexible bellows which enable the mirrors to be easily aligned.

Abstract: A gas laser tube is fitted with internal mirrors only and no windows. The laser tube is processed by heating the tube with the ends open in a vacuum oven to drive out contaminating substances. The mirrors are installed by cold welding after the tube has been decontaminated and filled with a fresh supply of its operating gas. The mirrors mount on flexible bellows which enable the mirrors to be easily aligned.

Abstract: A plurality of thin wall ceramic-metal segments are brazed together to form a gas laser tube assembly. Within each segment there is mounted a ferrule with a central hole. The series of holes formed in the ferrules define the discharge bore and gas return paths are formed in the wall of structure supporting the ferrules.

Abstract: A high speed switching power supply for a laser system is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, proportional-plus-derivative feedback of the emitted light controls the duty cycle of the MOS-FET switching transistor to vary the d.c. voltage level applied across a storage capacitor from a d.c. power supply. The storage capacitor is connected across a laser tube to apply its stored voltage thereto. The MOS-FET transistor permits high speed switching. The derivative portion of the feedback damps out oscillatory tendencies in the feedback loop to permit increased loop bandwidth. The combination of the MOS-FET transistor and proportional-plus-derivative feedback permits the laser output to be controlled in a voltage-controlled mode.

Abstract: An argon-ion laser achieves low output power by using a plasma guide and mirror configuration which restricts lasing action to a portion of the resonator cavity at relatively high conversion efficiency.

Abstract: An improved argon-ion gas laser utilizes a dispenser-type cathode and within the cathode shroud mounts a preignition electrode and a heat shield enabling the cathode to be operated efficiently and within a 900.degree.-1050.degree. C. temperature range over an extended period of time.

Abstract: An improved bypass inhibitor attached to but not constituting part of the laser bore assembly of a ceramic gas laser tube having main and gas bypass bores comprises a ceramic disc, one side of which is both metal bonded to the tube and formed with metal surface channels to reduce bypass gas ignition without significantly inhibiting bypass gas passage therethrough.

Abstract: A laser tube made of electrically insulating ceramic material, e.g., BeO, is formed of dry pressed and fired segments brazed together and with a chamfer or stepped area at the end of each segment adapted to interrupt the bore so as to prevent the establishment of a continuous electrically conducting layer in the tube bore.

Abstract: An improved switching regulator circuit is adapted for use with switch regulators in which more than one transistor is operated in parallel to provide a higher output current than normally obtained. Each transistor is operated with a separate inductor or filter on either the emitter or collector side of the transistor and each transistor possesses its own flyback diode.