Abstract: A laser having an electrode assembly which reduces the formation of glow-to-arc transitions. The electrode assembly of the present invention includes a cathode sub-assembly placed in opposition to an anode sub-assembly, with a main discharge region defined between the two. The cathode assembly includes an electrode in electrical contact with a cathode plate, the latter of which is formed from negative temperature coefficient of resistivity (NTC) material. The anode assembly includes an anode to which is mounted at least one structural member, at a position away from the main discharge region. This structural member is separated from the edges of the cathode plate by a gap, across which arcs may form.

Abstract: A high voltage switch, including: first and second electrodes having electrode surfaces; an electrically non conductive tube having an outer surface connecting the electrode surfaces; an electrically non conductive wall surrounding the tube and forming an enclosure in which the electrode surfaces and the outer tube surface are sealed; an ionizable material in the enclosure, an electric field being created in the enclosure responsive to application of a high voltage potential across the electrodes; and, an electrically conductive member adapted for movement in the tube between a first position substantially inside the enclosure and a second position substantially outside the enclosure, the electrically conductive member distorting the electric field when moved into the first position and causing an ionized current flow path between the electrode surfaces. A plurality of such switches can be ganged for simultaneous and/or sequential operation.