Abstract: In a laser using an electrical discharge produced between a pair of electrodes a catalyst is used for the recombination of gain medium components dissociated by the discharge. The catalyst material is confined by a catalyst container made of conductive material. The container has apertures smaller than the smallest catalyst particle and bigger than the molecule size of the gain medium. The conductive surface forms a cage which protects the catalyst, usually a powder, from the dispersing effects of the large electric fields present in the laser, and the aperture size allows the gain medium to contact the catalyst while preventing the catalyst powder from dispersing throughout the laser. The cage is placed adjacent the region in which the discharge takes place. Preferably, the cage is placed in contact with one of the electrodes in order to transfer heat from the electrode to the catalyst.

Abstract: A laser system capable of producing multiple pulses comprising a single optical resonator having multiple discharge regions and multiple sets of electrodes and preionizers. The optical resonator is folded and the beam passes through all of the discharge regions. Since the multiple discharges occur within the same resonator, multiple identical pulses are produced and since the discharge regions are separated, the shock wave and medium inhomogeneity produced by a discharge in one discharge region will not disturb the others. The overall mirror separation and electrode spacing define a Fresnel number suited for single transverse mode operation.

Abstract: A method for producing high peak energy radiation from a gaseous lasing medium excited by a main electric discharge which is transverse to the laser beam path. The main electric discharge current flows between elongated copper main electrodes positioned on opposite sides of the laser path and follows a pre-ionizing discharge between a plurality of copper elements positioned adjacent the optical path. The pre-ionizing discharge is selected in time and intensity to produce a gradation of temperatures along a thin layer of copper oxide formed on the copper elements and catalytically aiding in rapid recombination of carbon monoxide with the free oxygen which is produced by the discharge between the main electrodes.