Abstract: A multilayer high temperature, low inductance capacitor consisting of alternate layers of metal and dielectric insulator materials which are inert with respect to metal halide environments is directly affixed to a planar electrode of a high temperature metal halide laser system to improve laser performance.

Abstract: The complexity of the conventional X-Y array of pin type cathode electrode elements employed in high-power gas laser systems, is reduced by substituting a continuous elongated cathode electrode element for one or more rows of discrete pin type cathode elements.

Abstract: A gas laser system with moderate speed gas glow through the optical cavity to facilitate D.C. excitation of the gas to lasing levels. An electrode assembly is positioned so as to provide a glow discharge transverse to the optical axis within the optical cavity when a high D.C. voltage is applied thereto. By maintaining the high rate of flow of gas through the cavity, the glow discharge is stabilized while the gas medium is maintained at high pressure. Proper choice of electrode geometry and flow rate of the gas through the optical cavity allows the laser system to operate at pressures from a few Torr to atmospheric pressure and above thereby producing a high power CW output.