Abstract: A transversally excited gas laser whose main discharge is initiated by a corona discharge triggered between auxiliary electrodes. The auxiliary electrodes are thereby respectively composed of a conductor which is enveloped by a jacket of dielectric which forms a single part. The jacket is provided with an incision between the two conductors parallel to the longitudinal axis, facing the main discharge path, and also is metallized at its outside. The incision projects UV light of the corona discharge into the region of the main discharge path and thus generates free electrons where they are most effective. The outside metallization increases the capacitance of the auxiliary electrode arrangement; and as a result, the corona discharge is intensified. The main discharge may possibly also be delayed such that the firing ensues in a more greatly ionized gas.