Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing molecular oxygen in the excited singlet delta oxygen electronic state for use as an excited species reactant in a high energy, continuous-wave, chemically pumped laser. In this invention, small amounts of sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide are continuously mixed, reacted, cooled and then combined with chlorine to form a mixture which is injected into a mixing chamber as very fine droplets to provide an efficient means for effecting a reaction which produces excited molecular oxygen.

Abstract: A pressure switch unit capable of withstanding high pressures without losing its low pressure sensitivity or calibration includes a magnetically actuated switch responsive to the magnetic field of a permanent magnet mounted on a hermetically sealed bellows which contains on its interior a substantially incompressible liquid. The amount of liquid hermetically sealed within the bellows is selected to be sufficient to prevent any portion of the bellows from exceeding its elastic limit when the bellows is compressed by exposure to excessively high pressures.