Abstract: A gas discharge tube such as a ring laser gyroscope includes a block. A cathode has an inwardly extending foot that engages the block. Additionally, or alternatively, an insulator is arranged to inhibit shorting between plasma in the block and a flange of the cathode.

Abstract: A gas discharge tube such as a ring laser gyroscope includes a block. A cathode has an inwardly extending foot that engages the block. Additionally, or alternatively, an insulator is arranged to inhibit shorting between plasma in the block and a flange of the cathode.

Abstract: A method for forming an electrode seal between an excitation electrode and a laser block in a ring laser gyro having increased bond durability, strength, and greater resistance to solvents and reactive compounds. A thin ring of sealing material is positioned between an excitation electrode and a laser block of the ring laser gyro, and the sealing material is compressed. Chemical and physical bonds are formed between the excitation electrode and the sealing material and between the sealing material and the laser block. A pre-determined electrical potential is applied across the excitation electrode, the sealing material, and the laser block for a pre-determined period of time and at a pre-determined temperature. The electrical potential increases the number of chemical and physical bonds that are formed at the seal, thus increasing the bond durability and strength.

Abstract: A microwave resonator, useable for acceleration detection, having a cavity in which a resonant frequency F.sub.1 which changes with changes in length of the cavity and with change in crossectional dimensions of the cavity is compensated for changes in crossectional dimensions by forming a second resonant frequency F.sub.2 in the cavity which changes with changes in crossectional dimensions and modifying F.sub.1 by F.sub.2 so as to eliminate the change in F.sub.1 due to changes in crossectional dimensions.