Abstract: A method and apparatus for driving a laser diode source, such as a laser diode or a laser diode array. The driver controlling current in response to a signal indicative of excessive current or current density. The signal may be derived from the drive current, the voltage across the laser diode source or the impedance of the laser diode source. The circuit may be pulsed using a switch, such as a GCT. The current to generate drive the laser diode source provided by a capacitive or inductive charging circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for driving a laser diode source, such as a laser diode or a laser diode array. The driver controlling current in response to a signal indicative of excessive current or current density. The signal may be derived from the drive current, the voltage across the laser diode source or the impedance of the laser diode source. The circuit may be pulsed using a switch, such as a GCT. The current to generate drive the laser diode source provided by a capacitive or inductive charging circuit.

Abstract: The low pressure gas-filled thyratron is scalable in the long dimension. Internally the tube is formed as a tetrode, with an auxiliary grid placed between the cathode and the control grid. A DC or pulsed power source drives the auxiliary grid both to insure uniform cathode emission and to provide a grid-cathode plasma prior to commutation. The high voltage holdoff structure consists of the anode, the control grid and its electrostatic shielding baffles, and a main quartz insulator. A small gas flow supply and exhaust system is used that eliminates the need for a hydrogen reservoir and permits other gases, such as helium, to be used. The thyratron provides a low inductance, high current, long lifetime switch configuration; useful for switch-on applications involving large scale lasers and other similar loads that are distributed in a linear geometry.

Abstract: A high voltage linear switch assembly is disclosed that uses a hollow quartz tube as the insulator, and houses the anode, cathode and switch within the insulator tube. The anode and cathode are fixed within the tube on opposite sides so that they do not make physical contact with each other. A chamber filled with either hydrogen or helium and a metal electrode screen act as the switch as follows. By separating the anode from the cathode the gas filled chamber normally acts as an open circuit. When a charge is conducted by the metal electrode screen, the gas in the chamber is ionized and provides a medium to provide electrical contact between the anode and the cathode.