Abstract: A laser device includes a laser module for generating a laser beam of sub-nanosecond laser pulses with a laser source, and arranged downstream of the laser module in a beam path of the laser beam, a deviating instrument for variable deviation of the laser beam in two spatial directions. The laser device further includes a focusing instrument for variable displacement of a focal point of the laser beam in a third spatial direction that corresponds to a propagation direction of the laser pulses.

Abstract: An impedance matching circuit for a gas-laser excitation system includes a high-frequency connection line configured to be connected at a first connection point to a power source and at a second connection point to a gas-laser electrode. The impedance matching circuit is characterized in that an impedance of at least one section of the high-frequency connection line changes by a change to a configuration of the high-frequency connection line, in particular to at least one parameter of the high-frequency connection line in the at least one section.

Abstract: A diffusion-cooled gas laser system that includes a first and a second electrode and a discharge gap arranged between the electrodes, wherein a dielectric is arranged on at least one of the electrodes on the discharge-gap side. The system is characterized in that the dielectric thickness d/?res the dielectric for influencing the discharge ?res of distribution in the discharge gap varies along at least one dimension of the electrode on which the dielectric is arranged, wherein d is the thickness of the dielectric, and ?res is the resultant constant of the dielectric, and, at its thickest point, has a thickness of at least 1 mm or is greater than one hundredth of the length of the electrode or is greater than one thousandth of a wavelength determined by the frequency of a radiofrequency electrical power to be coupled into the system.

Abstract: A gas laser excitation system with an integrated impedance matching circuit, comprises a gas laser electrode, a high-frequency connection line connectable to the gas laser electrode and configured for transmission of high-frequency power to the gas laser electrode, and a shield configured to shield the high-frequency power to be transmitted. The shield is arranged between the high-frequency connection line and the gas laser electrode. The high-frequency connection line interacts with the gas laser electrode and/or the shield in such a way that the resulting impedance changes at least across a section of the high-frequency connection line.

Abstract: A gas laser excitation system with an integrated impedance matching circuit, comprises a gas laser electrode, a high-frequency connection line connectable to the gas laser electrode and configured for transmission of high-frequency power to the gas laser electrode, and a shield configured to shield the high-frequency power to be transmitted. The shield is arranged between the high-frequency connection line and the gas laser electrode. The high-frequency connection line interacts with the gas laser electrode and/or the shield in such a way that the resulting impedance changes at least across a section of the high-frequency connection line.

Abstract: An impedance matching circuit for a gas-laser excitation system includes a high-frequency connection line configured to be connected at a first connection point to a power source and at a second connection point to a gas-laser electrode. The impedance matching circuit is characterized in that an impedance of at least one section of the high-frequency connection line changes by a change to a configuration of the high-frequency connection line, in particular to at least one parameter of the high-frequency connection line in the at least one section.

Abstract: A diffusion-cooled gas laser system that includes a first and a second electrode and a discharge gap arranged between the electrodes, wherein a dielectric is arranged on at least one of the electrodes on the discharge-gap side. The system is characterized in that the dielectric thickness d/?res the dielectric for influencing the discharge ?res of distribution in the discharge gap varies along at least one dimension of the electrode on which the dielectric is arranged, wherein d is the thickness of the dielectric, and ?res is the resultant constant of the dielectric, and, at its thickest point, has a thickness of at least 1 mm or is greater than one hundredth of the length of the electrode or is greater than one thousandth of a wavelength determined by the frequency of a radiofrequency electrical power to be coupled into the system.

Abstract: A knuckle assembly for an escapement action of a piano includes a knuckle, a jack retainer, and an adjustment means acting between the retainer and the knuckle for positioning the retainer relative to the knuckle. The knuckle assembly is mountable between first and second ends of a hammershank. The knuckle defines a knuckle surface for engagement with a jack. The knuckle is arranged for escape of the jack from engagement with the knuckle surface during depression of a piano key. The retainer retains the jack in an "at rest" position with the jack in engagement with the knuckle surface in opposition to force of a spring urging the jack toward the "at rest" position. A piano escapement action assembly includes a hammershank, a knuckle assembly, a jack engaged with a knuckle surface in an "at rest", and a spring disposed to urge the jack toward the "at rest" position.