Abstract: A circuit and method for excitation of electric discharge gas lasers is provided. The circuit includes a pair of electrodes, a main energy storage means for storing electrical energy for the operation of the laser, energy transfer means in the form of saturable inductive elements which are connected in series coupling a terminal of the main energy storage means with one of the electrodes, and for transferring the electrical energy thereto in the form of a discharge voltage pulse. A switching means in series with a secondary energy storage means is connected between the saturable inductive elements and connected in parallel with the main energy storage means and the electrodes. The switching means is operable in one mode to allow the passage of current and operable in another mode to prevent the passage of current across the switching means. The circuit also includes a first preionizer for producing ionizing radiation; and, a second preionizer for producing ionizing radiation.