Abstract: A dielectric electrode assembly, and a method (600) of manufacture thereof, including: a dielectric tube (226) having a cylindrical cross-section and a relative dielectric constant, ?2, the dielectric tube (226) filled with a gas having a relative dielectric constant, ?1; a structural dielectric (225) having a relative dielectric constant, ?3 surrounding the dielectric tube (226); metal electrodes (224) on opposite sides of the structural dielectric (225), the metal electrodes (224) having a flat cross-sectional geometry; and the structural dielectric (225) made from a material selected such that the relative dielectric constants of the structural dielectric (225), the dielectric tube (226), and the gas are interrelated and an approximately uniform electric field is generated within the dielectric tube (226) when power is applied to the metal electrodes (224).

Abstract: Systems and techniques for multilayer electrode assemblies are generally described. In some examples, a multilayer electrode assembly may comprise a first dielectric material. In some examples, the first dielectric material may be shaped so as to form a channel defined by an interior surface. In various examples the multilayer electrode assemblies may comprise a first metal layer disposed adjacent to a first portion of the exterior surface of the first dielectric material. In various further examples, the multilayer electrode assemblies may comprise a second metal layer disposed adjacent to a second portion of the exterior surface of the first dielectric material. In some examples, the first metal layer may be disposed in a first spaced relationship with the second metal layer. In various examples, a substantially uniform electric field may be generated in the channel of the first dielectric material when a voltage is applied to the multilayer electrode assembly.

Abstract: A dielectric electrode assembly, and a method of manufacture thereof, including: a dielectric tube having a cylindrical cross-section and a relative dielectric constant, ?2, the dielectric tube filled with a gas having a relative dielectric constant, ?1; a structural dielectric having a relative dielectric constant, ?3 surrounding the dielectric tube; metal electrodes on opposite sides of the structural dielectric, the metal electrodes having a flat cross-sectional geometry; and the structural dielectric made from a material selected such that the relative dielectric constants of the structural dielectric, the dielectric tube, and the gas are interrelated and a uniform electric field is generated within the dielectric tube when power is applied to the metal electrodes.

Abstract: A dielectric electrode assembly, and a method (600) of manufacture thereof, including: a dielectric tube (226) having a cylindrical cross-section and a relative dielectric constant, ?2, the dielectric tube (226) filled with a gas having a relative dielectric constant, ?1; a structural dielectric (225) having a relative dielectric constant, ?3 surrounding the dielectric tube (226); metal electrodes (224) on opposite sides of the structural dielectric (225), the metal electrodes (224) having a flat cross-sectional geometry; and the structural dielectric (225) made from a material selected such that the relative dielectric constants of the structural dielectric (225), the dielectric tube (226), and the gas are interrelated and an approximately uniform electric field is generated within the dielectric tube (226) when power is applied to the metal electrodes (224).

Abstract: Systems and techniques for multilayer electrode assemblies are generally described. In some examples, a multilayer electrode assembly may comprise a first dielectric material. In some examples, the first dielectric material may be shaped so as to form a channel defined by an interior surface. In various examples the multilayer electrode assemblies may comprise a first metal layer disposed adjacent to a first portion of the exterior surface of the first dielectric material. In various further examples, the multilayer electrode assemblies may comprise a second metal layer disposed adjacent to a second portion of the exterior surface of the first dielectric material. In some examples, the first metal layer may be disposed in a first spaced relationship with the second metal layer. In various examples, a substantially uniform electric field may be generated in the channel of the first dielectric material when a voltage is applied to the multilayer electrode assembly.

Abstract: A dielectric electrode assembly, and a method of manufacture thereof, including: a dielectric tube having a cylindrical cross-section and a relative dielectric constant, ?2, the dielectric tube filled with a gas having a relative dielectric constant, ?1; a structural dielectric having a relative dielectric constant, ?3 surrounding the dielectric tube; metal electrodes on opposite sides of the structural dielectric, the metal electrodes having a flat cross-sectional geometry; and the structural dielectric made from a material selected such that the relative dielectric constants of the structural dielectric, the dielectric tube, and the gas are interrelated and a uniform electric field is generated within the dielectric tube when power is applied to the metal electrodes.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present an apparatus and a method for protecting lasers or other sources of high optical power from damage due to external sources of contamination using a concept of a sacrificial optical component and automatic laser shutdown based on a pressure indication of a substantial damage to the sacrificial optical component such as puncturing through that component.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present an apparatus and a method for protecting lasers or other sources of high optical power from damage due to external sources of contamination using a concept of a sacrificial optical component and automatic laser shutdown based on a pressure indication of a substantial damage to the sacrificial optical component such as puncturing through that component.

Abstract: A laser device is provided. The laser device includes a laser tube, and power devices distributed uniformly along the length of the laser tube.

Abstract: A laser device is provided. The laser device includes a laser tube, and power devices distributed uniformly along the length of the laser tube.

Abstract: A laser device is provided. The laser device includes a laser tube, oscillator circuitry, and a compensating reactive component that is arranged in parallel with the laser tube.

Abstract: A laser device is provided. The laser device includes a laser tube, oscillator circuitry, and a compensating reactive component that is arranged in parallel with the laser tube.

Abstract: A Colpitts oscillator that includes an RF-excited gas discharge laser tube as the feedback pi-network of the Colpitts oscillator.

Abstract: A RF-excited gas laser can include a metal housing containing a laser gas medium; and a first electrode and a second electrode disposed in the metal housing. The first and second electrodes are configured and arranged for coupling to a RF source for exciting the laser gas medium between the electrodes. The metal housing and first and second electrodes are configured and arranged for application of a DC bias between i) the metal housing and ii) at least one of the first and second electrodes. Optionally, a DC bias can be applied between i) the metal housing and ii) both the first and second electrodes.

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.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) driven laser system having a starter electrode and discharge control circuitry which facilitates the starting of the laser by ionizing a portion of the gain medium. The starter electrode is aligned with the main electrode but is much smaller and is energized only during the start-up period. RF power is coupled to the main and starter electrodes via RF amplifiers feeding power through a 90.degree. hybrid combiner to impedance matching networks which are individually adjusted for each electrode. The matching network coupled to the starter electrode provides a very high, Tesla coil type, RF voltage to the electrode. Once the start cycle is complete, a time delay circuit shuts down the starter circuit and all power from the two RF amplifiers is steered to the main electrode.