Abstract: A laser having an electrode assembly which reduces the formation of glow-to-arc transitions. The electrode assembly of the present invention includes a cathode sub-assembly placed in opposition to an anode sub-assembly, with a main discharge region defined between the two. The cathode assembly includes an electrode in electrical contact with a cathode plate, the latter of which is formed from negative temperature coefficient of resistivity (NTC) material. The anode assembly includes an anode to which is mounted at least one structural member, at a position away from the main discharge region. This structural member is separated from the edges of the cathode plate by a gap, across which arcs may form.

Abstract: A Transverse Excitation (TE) laser that produces a uniform discharge by utilizing a layered resistive electrode assembly, which includes a layer of positive temperature coefficient material that works in combination with a layer of negative coefficient material. The layered resistive electrode assembly distributes the discharge current uniformly throughout the electrode assembly and the associated gas discharge, and compensates for temperature induced resistivity variations of the electrode assembly.

Abstract: A microwave excited laser using a sealed CO2 gas mixture for the laser medium. The laser has means for producing a uniform discharge throughout the length of the laser by using a plurality of actuators that adjust the electrical field along a deformable waveguide. The microwave waveguides are dimensioned so that the electric field is operating at or just above cut-off. A terminating cavity maintains gas discharge throughout the full length of the laser.