Abstract: A spark gap switch is disclosed. The spark gap comprises opposite and adjacent electrodes and a trigger arrangement for triggering a discharge arc between the opposite and adjacent electrodes. The trigger arrangement includes a solid insulative material to facilitate a discharge between trigger electrodes to trigger the spark gap. The trigger arrangement is located rearwardly of the adjacent electrode to position the solid insulative material in a manner to prevent a main discharge arc affecting the structural integrity of the solid insulative material. Such an arrangement provides protection for the solid insulative material to increase lifetime of the unit and has the capability of reducing jitter.

Abstract: A longitudinally pumped dye laser arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a unitary optical means, means for containing a lasing medium dye solution and means for reflecting lasing radiation towards the unitary optical means. The dye solution is located between the unitary optical means and the reflecting means. The reflecting means is proximate the dye solution. The unitary optical means is positioned relative to the containing means to focus a pumping beam into the dye solution and to collimate lasing radiation emerging from the containing means into an essentially parallel beam. This arrangement provides an economical and easily aligned longitudinally pumped dye laser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing stable and reproducible ultra-short lasing radiation pulses are disclosed. The duration of incoming pumping pulses for the dye laser arrangement is reduced in stages to produce the ultra-short pulses. A first dye laser cavity of a series of at least two cascaded dye laser cavities is excited with lasing radiation pulses. The lasing radiation pulses emerging from each dye laser cavity of the series are directed into the next successive dye laser cavity of the series. The photon cavity lifetime of each dye laser cavity of the series is sufficient for a given duration of the incoming pumping pulses to produce the ultra-short pulses emerging from the final dye laser cavity of the series. The maximum photon cavity lifetime of each dye laser cavity of the series is selected to thereby reduce in stages the duration of the incoming pumping pulses. This reduction yields from the final dye laser cavity of the series the ultra-short lasing radiation pulses.

Abstract: A dye cell holder adapted for removable engagement with a support in a dye laser arrangement is disclosed. The holder is particularly adapted to hold thin fragile dye cells. The holder comprises means for supporting such fragile cell which contains a dye solution and is to be pumped by a laser beam. The dye cell is retained against the support by a retaining means which is movable relative to the support in a manner to provide access to permit insertion of the dye cell into the holder and to permit removal of the cell from the support means.

Abstract: A high intensity light source having high repetition rate and narrow pulse-width. The light source comprises a metal casing having coaxially mounted arcing electrodes therein which utilize the capacitance of the coaxial system to charge up to the arcing potential. One electrode is electrically connected to the end wall of the casing to provide a reflected wavefront from the end wall after an arc has been struck, such wavefront serving to extinguish the arc and thus provide a sharp pulse. The lamp may be used for such areas as photochemical and photobiological research, in place of much costlier nanosecond lasers.