Abstract: A method for referencing the beam wavelength of a tunable laser with a known spectral line wavelength of a free transition metal atom. A voltage is placed across a pair of electrodes in a cell containing vapor of an organometallic compound of that metal. The vapor is irradiated with a pulse of focused laser light having an average flux density at which electronic transitions of the free transition metal atom are wavelength dependent. The vapor undergoes photodissociation to form free metal atoms. The wavelength of the focused laser light is adjusted until peak current flow across the two electrodes is observed, evidencing photoionization of the free metal atoms proceeding through an excited state corresponding to the referencing wavelength.

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: A high efficiency gas laser which utilizes transverse electrical excitation f a laser gas medium confined in a circular cylindrical volume. Limitation of the excitation energy to only the optical mode volume of the laser eliminates the inefficiency associated with conventional TEA laser technology in which a much larger gas volume is excited for a given optical mode volume. The present invention is comprised of a new design making possible the higher efficiencies through use of dielectric coupling between concave electrodes.