Abstract: An apparatus for the generation of laser radiation according to the invention comprising a discharge chamber of essentially rectangular cross section made from insulating material, one pair of discharge electrodes between which a gas discharge initiated by UV preionization arising from a corona discharge can be produced in a direction transverse to an optical resonator, as well as a charging and discharging circuit and a gas circulation and cooling system. The two opposite walls of the discharge chamber on which the electrodes are arranged are provided with a metal coating, e.g. metal plates of sheets. The remaining lateral walls of the discharge chambers are provided with conducting structures, preferably wire grids which are insulated against the interior space and extend up to the level of the metal coating.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing laser radiation which includes a pair of discharge electrodes for firing a gas discharge which extends transversely with respect to the axis of the laser resonator, wherein pre-ionization is produced by a corona discharge, a charging-and-discharging circuit and a gas circulating-and-cooling system. The first electrode is secured to the wall of the gas chamber which is made from non-conducting material, wherein the securing elements serve as current supply means. The second electrode is mounted to the same wall as the first electrode on a plurality of metal rods. Such metal rods simultaneously provide the mechanical support function and the electrical current supply, and, at least in the region of the gas chamber, are surrounded by an insulator tube having a high dielectric constant so that a corona discharge can be produced between the first electrode and the insulated metal rods.