Abstract: An ultraviolet metal vapor laser tube includes an elongated envelope, an active laser medium, an output coupling mirror assembly which is disposed on one end of the elongated envelope and a reflector mirror assembly which is disposed on the other end thereof. The active laser medium consists of helium gas and cadmium vapor and is contained in the elongated envelope. A partially reflecting multilayer dielectric coating is formed on the inner surface of a glass substrate to form the output coupling mirror assembly. The glass substrate has a thickness in the range of 3.0 to 10.0 millimeters and transmits at least 85% of light energy at a wavelength of 325 nanometers. A reflecting multilayer dielectric coating is formed on the inner surface of a glass substrate and is substantially reflective of light energy at a wavelength of 325 nanometers to form the reflector mirror assembly.

Abstract: A metallic vapor laser apparatus includes a cylindrical discharge tube (31) having an internal space (2), a heat-insulating material (6) encompassing the periphery of the discharge tube (31), and two electrodes (3a) and (3b) having a cylindrical portion coaxial with the discharge tube (31) and disposed at both ends of the discharge tube (31). The internal space (2) are filled with a gas containing the vapor of copper as a laser medium for effecting laser oscillation by the excitation of the filler gas and the discharge.

Abstract: An ignitor for a preionizing means of an excimer laser has an electrically conductive core which projects into the gas space of the laser and which is surrounded by a jacket of a fluoroplastic. The jacket is brought into sealing engagement with the wall of the laser gas space by means of a pressure sleeve via mating conical surfaces.

Abstract: An improved electrode design for reducing discharge instability, especially in white light lasers. The apparatus consists of at least one cathode electrode (12) arranged between anode electrodes (14), said cathode being divided into two equally long tube parts (15) designed with inner cylindrical electrode surfaces (A.sub.1, A.sub.2) between which a widened portion (16) is located and each anode electrode is connected via and insulator (13) to the end of each tube part (15) facing away from the widened portion. This widened portion of the cathode serves to divide the cathode which in turn stablized the current and the current density. It can also serve as a metal reservoir.

Abstract: A metallic vapor laser apparatus comprises a discharge tube, a first pulse circuit (200) for generating a first pulse voltage for causing laser oscillation and a second pulse conduit (16) disposed separately from the first pulse circuit and generating a second pulse voltage delayed from the generation of the first pulse voltage by a predetermined time. The metallic vapor laser apparatus is constructed such that, after the first pulse voltage is applied to the discharge tube, the second pulse voltage is applied to the discharge tube and an output voltage of the second pulse circuit (16) is less than an output voltage of the first pulse circuit (200).

Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing loss of metal from a metal vapor laser by collecting metal present outside the hot zone of the laser and introducing or confining it in the hot zone.

Abstract: A metal vapor laser discharge tube configuration for preventing accumulation of the condensed metal form interfering with the generated laser beam. A heater arrangement is positioned on the tube in an area corresponding to the area in which the metal vapor condenses within the tube. Energization of the heater when required melts the condensate thus extending the laser tube lifetime.

Abstract: In a gas laser, an anode of discharge electrodes is formed from stainless steel. Alternatively, the anode is formed from a metallic base material and chromium coating is applied on the surface of the metallic base material. A cathode is formed from titanium as a base material and the surface thereof is oxidized. Alternatively, the cathode is formed from molybdenum as a base material and titanium coating is applied on the surface of the molybdenum base material. The surface of the cathode is oxidized.

Abstract: In a gas laser, the surface of either or both of discharge electrodes are formed from titanium oxide which provides fine sputtering proof. The discharge electrodes are formed from titanium as a base material having an oxidized surface. Alternatively, the discharge electrodes are formed from molybdenum as a base material with titanium coated and the surfaces are oxidized. In the gas laser of the direct current discharge type, the cathode is formed as described above. Both of cathode and anode are formed as described above in the gas laser of the alternate current discharge type.

Abstract: Metal vapor laser apparatus includes an envelope within which is contained electrodes and a plurality of cylindrical copper segments arranged between them. During operation of the laser, bromine and helium buffer gas are arranged to flow through the envelope, causing copper bromide to be produced. When a discharge is established between the electrodes, the copper bromide vaporizes and dissociates to give copper vapor which is then excited to produce a population inversion. Such apparatus is able to operate at relatively low temperatures, in the region of 600.degree. C.

Abstract: A chemical process yielding stimulated emission of visible radiation via fast rear resonant intermolecular energy transfer comprising the steps of reacting a first metal or semimetal vapor with a reactant to produce a metastable excited state reaction product and transferring energy stored in the metastable excited state of the reaction product to a second metal or semimetal vapor by means of near resonant energy transfer to form electronically excited receptor atoms in a population inversion relative to a lower level of excitation of the receptor atoms. In the preferred form of the process, the first metal or semimetal vapor is a group IIIA or IVA element. The second metal or semimetal vapor is of a group IIA or IVA element and the reactant is either ozone, nitrogen oxide, nitrogen dioxide or a halide.

Abstract: Laser apparatus includes a gas filled tube and is arranged to act as a switch to trigger, within the tube itself, a discharge. The power dissipated in the discharge is applied to material which forms, or is to form, a laser amplifying medium, to provide pumping power. Thus, no external switch, such as a thyratron, is required, unlike conventional laser arrangements.

Abstract: A metal vapor laser intended to be excited by an electrical discharge pulsed through a metal vapor, consisting of a tubular chamber terminated at each end by a terminating flange, the terminating flange (1) having formed integrally with it a cold cathode structure having associated with it a multiplicity of electron generating devices (10, 11, 12) for non-thermionic generation of electrons. The electron generating devices (10, 11, 12) consist preferably of a series of annular grooves (10) formed in the surface of a bore of the terminating flange (1) and a circular groove or grooves (11) coaxial with the axis of the laser and cut in to a face of the terminating flange (1) facing directly into the discharge volume (8). Additionally, to increase carrying capability and facility for easily striking the discharge there is provide a ring of refractory metal pins (12) fixed into that surface of the terminating flange (1).

Abstract: Laser apparatus including a relatively long cylindrical cathode within a discharge tube containing a buffer gas at a low pressure of less than 1 Torr. By employing a laser constructed according to the invention, it is possible to achieve a plasma which extends along the length of the cathode, which may be up to one meter long.

Abstract: In a metal vapor laser apparatus of this invention, a cathode electrode side end portion is made longer along a tube axis than an anode electrode side end portion. A distance between a cathode side end of the discharge tube and a cathode electrode is longer along a tube axis direction than a distance between an anode side end of the discharge tube and an anode electrode.

Abstract: In a laser arrangement, solid or liquid material, at least part of which comprises a laser amplifying medium, is atomized in a gas prior to being applied to a discharge region. In one embodiment of the invention, the gas is combustible and is ignited to produce a flame which provides heating of the material. The invention is particularly applicable to metal vapour lasers.In another embodiment of the invention, the material is atomized in an inert gas and a discharge within a laser discharge tube is used to provide excitation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing laser radiation from an element of a binary (or more complex) compound pumped by microwave energy. The energy causes the compound to dissociate and for the one element of the compound to go to its first excited state, this state being metastable. As the element emits radiation, it reverts to its ground state and recombines to form a compound (which may be the original compound) capable of being dissociated by the microwave energy and repeating the process.

Abstract: A metal vapor laser apparatus of this invention includes at least two high reflecting mirrors arranged one near each side end portion of a discharge tube, heating units for heating the high reflecting mirrors, and transmission windows formed to transmit a laser beam reflected by the high reflecting mirrors.

Abstract: A metal vapor laser device wherein the pressure of carrier gas within a metal vapor laser tube can be normally maintained constant and a stabilized laser beam can be generated. The metal vapor laser device comprises a metal vapor laser tube, and a carrier gas supplier for supplementing carrier gas into the metal vapor laser tube. The carrier gas supplier includes an outer tube substantially impermeable to the carrier gas, and an inner tube having a permeability to the carrier gas which varies according to temperature and partitioning the inside of the outer tube into a reservoir section and a tank section. The inner tube is disposed in the tank section of the outer tube in such a manner as to form a duplex tube. The carrier gas supplier further includes a heater provided on outer peripheries of regions of the outer tube including the reservoir section and the tank section.

Abstract: A metal vapor laser device which prevents a possible discharge between an electrode and a pressure detector thereof and can generate a laser beam in a stabilized condition. The metal vapor laser device comprises a metal vapor laser tube, a carrier gas supplier, and a pressure detector. The carrier gas supplier communicates with a discharge spacing within the laser tube by way of a communicating hole formed at an end portion thereof. The pressure detector includes a tube defining a pressure detecting chamber therein and communicating with the inside of the carrier gas supplier, and an energizable detecting element provided in the inside of the pressure detecting chamber. A discharge preventing thin tube is provided in the inside of the carrier gas supplier and has an end connected to the end portion of the carrier gas supplier in such a manner as to surround the communicating hole of the carrier gas supplier.

Abstract: A metal vapor laser device which can generate laser oscillations stably even if the atmospheric temperature of a metal vapor laser tube thereof varies suddenly. The metal vapor laser device comprises a metal vapor laser tube having a metal tank in which a working metal is contained, a heater for heating the metal in the metal tank, a power source circuit for the heater, a voltage detector for detecting an inter-electrode voltage of the laser tube, and a temperature detector for detecting an atmospheric temperature of the laser tube. The power source circuit includes a controlling circuit for controlling a power supply to the heater in response to detection signals from the voltage detector and the temperature detector to maintain the pressure of the metal vapor within the laser tube constant. When the atmospheric temperature of the laser tube varies suddenly, the operation of the heater is thus feed-forward controlled in response to the detection signal from the temperature detector.

Abstract: A metal vapor laser tube of the hollow-cathode type which is simplified in construction and can be assembled by a simple work without much skill and wherein a negative glow portion can be produced stably and an essential function is attained satisfactorily. The metal vapor laser tube comprises a central metal tube member serving as a cathode, and a pair of hard glass end tube members, metal cap members and holding tube members connected in this order in an air-tight relationship to the opposite ends of the central tube member. A Brewster window or a mirror is provided on each of the cap members. An anode member is securely inserted in each of a lot of through-holes formed in the central tube member by way of an insulating member such that an end thereof may be positioned in a discharge opening of the through-hole.

Abstract: A medium for a gas laser excited by ionizing particles containing helium, neon, argon or krypton with a total concentration in excess of 10.sup.19 cm.sup.-3 with argon or krypton concentration ranging from 3.multidot.10.sup.16 cm.sup.-3 to a value amounting to 15% of the total concentration. The medium additionally comprises at least one more component selected from the group comprising, xenon, hydrogen, hydrogen isotope, or a mixture of these components in various combinations, the concentration of each component or the mixture thereof being selected from a range from 10.sup.15 cm.sup.-3 to a value equal to 20% of the concentration of argon or krypton.

Abstract: Laser apparatus includes a ceramic tube within which is contained a gas and a cylindrical cathode having a plurality of holes therethrough. An anode is located along the axis of the tube. During operation of the apparatus, a large potential difference is applied between the anode and cathode, causing a plurality of electron beams to be formed extensive of the holes. Vapor is emitted from the electron bombarded cylindrical rod and becomes excited, and laser action occurs.

Abstract: A hollow-cathode type metal ion laser for producing white light includes a gas-filled tubular envelope and a hollow cathode located within the tubular enelope. The hollow cathode has holes formed in a side wall portion thereof and a bore therein. The hollow-cathode type metal ion laser preferably includes a plurality of metal-containing reservoirs for diffusing vapor of the metal into the bore through the holes. Each of the metal-containing reservoirs forms a portion of the tubular envelope and is preferably disposed next to one of the holes. Further, each of the metal-containing reservoirs preferably extends downwardly. Main anodes one near each of the holes, are preferably disposed one within each of the metal-containing reservoirs. The tubular envelope preferably includes subanodes disposed on within each end portion of the tubular envelope to confine the metal vapor within the bore.

Abstract: In a metal vapor laser, (e.g. copper vapor laser), the innermost heat shield (15) of Mo, Ta or W, which is disposed with a predetermined gap (preferably sufficiently larger than 0.3 mm) to the outer surface of the seal tube (8), is connected at respective ends to the anode terminal (2) and the anode (5), so that inductance of discharge load is considerably decreased.

Abstract: A high frequency discharge excited coaxial type CO.sub.2 laser is provided, which has both the advantageous characteristic of high frequency excitation type, namely, small size and high efficiency, and the advantageous characteristic of coaxial type, namely, high quality beam mode. This laser includes a dielectric laser tube and two helical electric conductors of the same pitch, and a high frequency voltage is applied between the conductors by a high frequency power source while the CO.sub.2 laser gas is passed axially in the laser tube.

Abstract: A metal vapor discharge tube includes cylindrical dispenser blocks of sintered tungsten which are porous and support metal whose vapor is to form at least part of the active medium of the tube. Thus, the dispenser blocks retain the metal, holding it in position when in its solid and liquid states. Heat shields serve to retain heat within the envelope of the discharge tube and uniformly heat the cylinders.

Abstract: A metal ion laser includes a glass tube, a hollow cathode installed in the glass tube, a plurality of anodes arranged on the glass tube, a pair of Brewster windows fixed to both end of the glass tube, at least one of reservoir recessed in the glass tube for storing a metal material to be evaporated, and at least one of communicating passage formed in the hollow cathode corresponding to each the reservoir so as to communicate between each reservoir and the inside of the hollow cathode. A cooling element is arranged on the glass tube, between the Brewster window and each end of the hollow cathode. A cooling system is arranged in a casing for the laser. The sputtered product is mainly deposited on the inner wall of the reservoir nearby the communicating passage, and the rest of the sputtered product and the vapored materials are deposited at the cooling element arranged between each end of the hollow cathode and each Brewster window.

Abstract: A metal vapor laser which can produce two or more discrete outputs from a single vacuum chamber. This is achieved by using two or more different materials and by confining each material to its own area so that the materials do not mix one with the other and optimum lasing performance can be obtained from each material. All the lasing areas have a common optical axis. The lasing outputs can be produced separately or mixed together as required.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gas discharge hollow cathode tube for laser using metal vapors having a vacuum compact housing where an anode and a hollow spiral cathode are mounted connected to a source of excitation, the hollow cathode contains an active metal medium, having evenly distributed apertures on the pipe's upper inner part, and resistance wire fitted inside the hollow cathode supplied from an electric source. This apparatus avoids the disadvantages of a similar gas discharge tube having metal in the cylindrical cathode where the metal vapors enter the discharge zone uncontrollably, causing metal accumulation in some zones which thus partially covers the laser tube aperture, and because the high-level ionic metal laser levels are not efficiently excited as it operates under low voltages, it cannot be used for generation using easily fusable metals as the spiral cathode cannot be made of such metals. The invention also has improved stability and efficacy of the generation.

Abstract: An injection locked oscillator system for pulsed metal vapor lasers is disclosed. The invention includes the combination of a seeding oscillator with an injection locked oscillator (ILO) for improving the quality, particularly the intensity, of an output laser beam pulse. The present invention includes means for matching the first seeder laser pulses from the seeding oscillator to second laser pulses of a metal vapor laser to improve the quality, and particularly the intensity, of the output laser beam pulse.

Abstract: A metal vapor laser which has an optical cavity, and a sputtering cell arranged at one end. The sputtering cell has a sputtering surface for sputtering metal deposited on the surface or from which the surface is formed. A gas stream is introduced into the cavity for entraining the sputtered metal into a metal vapor beam and the gas stream is introduced such that the gas stream flows substantially parallel to at least a part of the sputtering surface to ensure that the passage for introducing the gas is aligned correctly relative to the sputtering surface, there is provided an insulative ring formed in two portions defining the passage therebetween and the first portion of the ring is moveable with respect to the second portion thereof to align a passage. Two sources of gas are provided for forming the gas stream and are selectively switched so that each source of gas can be selectively coupled to the cavity for forming a gas stream of a particular variety of gas.

Abstract: Laser apparatus comprising a discharge vessel of thermally insulating material and a protective metal layer disposed on the inner surface of the discharge vessel. During operation of the laser apparatus, copper powder is vaporised to form at least part of the laser active medium. Because of the protective metal layer the discharge vessel wall is prevented from damage due to its contents.

Abstract: Laser systems, exhibiting energy conversion efficiencies greater than 20%, employ divalent metal halides, dissociated either electrically or optically, and pumped optically, usually by means of an arc lamp or an incoherent flashlamp. Either pulsed and continuous-wave lasing can be effected in or near the visible region.

Abstract: A gas ion laser employs a direct current electron beam to create a rare gas ion density and a cylindrical magnetron to sputter a partial pressure of metal vapor density and to also create a rare gas ion density. Thermal energy charge transfer selectively pumps the upper metal ion laser transitions on a continuous wave basis.

Abstract: A helium-cadmium ion laser is disclosed which has a tubular housing hermetically closed at both ends by Brewster windows and having a hollow cathode mounted therein. Disposed outside the hollow cathode and open to its interior are a row of primary anodes and a row of metal chambers containing a metal material to be vaporized. A pair of secondary anodes are further disposed adjacent the opposite ends of the hollow cathode for protecting the Brewster windows from contamination by the metal vapor by sending it back into the hollow cathode. In order to prevent the metal vapor from depositing on the ends of the hollow cathode on being thus sent back, a pair of tubular insulators are coaxially mounted next to the opposite ends of the hollow cathode for the passage of the metal vapor therethrough. Each tubular insulator has a bore including a smaller diameter portion away from the hollow cathode, and a larger diameter portion closer to the hollow cathode.

Abstract: A He-Cd ion laser of the type having a series of anodes open to the interior of a hollow cathode, a series of metal chambers containing a supply of Cd to be vaporized, and a heater for heating the metal chambers for vaporizing the Cd supply. For holding constant the Cd vapor pressure within the hollow cathode and, in consequence, the intensity of the output beam, an electric control system is provided which comprises a constant current regulator connected to each anode for supplying a constant current thereto, and a heater control circuit for controlling the magnitude of a current fed to the metal chamber heater so as to hold the output voltage of each constant current regulator equal to a reference voltage.

Abstract: A waveguide (130) is coupled to a tubular member (2) by a gap (139) suitable for generating an intense surface wave in a gaseous mixture contained in the tubular member (2). Short circuits (110 and 120) delimit the plasma, thereby generating very high intensity standing microwaves, which increase the energy density of the plasma. An ion laser effect can then be observed, in particular in a mixture of argon and helium, together with optional krypton.

Abstract: A copper vapor laser (CVL) acoustic thermometry system is disclosed. The invention couples an acoustic pulse a predetermined distance into a laser tube by means of a transducer and an alumina rod such that an echo pulse is returned along the alumina rod to the point of entry. The time differential between the point of entry of the acoustic pulse into the laser tube and the exit of the echo pulse is related to the temperature at the predetermined distance within the laser tube. This information is processed and can provide an accurate indication of the average temperature within the laser tube.

Abstract: A metal vapour laser is disclosed having an optical cavity with a sputtering cathode and anode located at one end of the cavity. The sputtering cathode and anode includes a gaseous jet inlet to introduce a gas stream of inert gas into the optical cavity for entraining metal vapour sputtered by the sputtering cathode and anode. An electrical discharge separate to the sputtering cathode and anode is provided in the optical cavity for exciting the metal vapour entrained in the inert gas stream.

Abstract: An improved negative glow discharge hollow cathode device for generating laser radiation. The device comprises a hollow cathode assembly substantially surrounded by an anode envelope having a body section and a pair of end sections, each of the end sections terminating in a radiation transmission member. The metal laser medium is enclosed in the vicinity of the perforations in the cathode such that the metal vapor can be readily introduced into the cathode central region effectively and efficiently. The anode to cathode discharge paths is reduced by the use of an anode screen such that the glow discharge is directed into the cathode central region with a controlled discharge gap for optimum pressure and confined negative glow discharge within the cathode. The metal laser medium, in the form of a metal foil or sheet, is lined adjacent the cathode outer surface and perforated cathode holes in the lower half portion of the cathode.

Abstract: Gas laser discharge tube with copper halide vapors. The tube has a vacuum tight quartz casing equipped with at least two electrodes which are disposed in extensions of the quartz casing. The electrodes are made of copper particles of irregular form which make contact with the vacuum tight terminals. The copper particles are piled in quartz tubes disposed coaxially in the quartz extensions, so that between the quartz tube and the extensions of each electrode there is formed a cavity. Each quartz tube is perforated along its entire surface and it is plugged by a perforated copper plate through which the vacuum tight terminal passes. The apertures in the quartz tube and in the copper plate have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the copper particles. This gas discharge tube may be used in scientific research, laser locating, and the like.

Abstract: A laser discharge tube comprises a discharge envelope and an anode and cathode both disposed within the envelope. The envelope includes a capillary tube having a hole. In this hole the tip portion of the anode is inserted. Outside the envelope there is provided a magnet generating a magnetic field which lies in the vicinity of the anode.

Abstract: A dye laser oscillator in which one light beam is used to pump a continuous tream of dye within a cooperating dye chamber for producing a second, different beam is generally disclosed herein along with a specific arrangement including an optical fiber and a fiber optics interface for directing the pumping beam into the dye chamber. The specific fiber optics interface illustrated includes three cooperating lenses which together image one particular dimension of the pumping beam into the dye chamber from the output end of the optical fiber in order to insure that the dye chamber is properly illuminated by the pumping beam.

Abstract: Unusual power enhancement and a plurality of output wavelengths in the visible or near-infrared regions are obtained simultaneously from a laser in which the vapors of two or more Group II-B metal halides are dissociatively excited either in an electrical discharge or by photodissociation by an external laser. By using halides involving only one metal and/or halogen isotope, the power output is greater than that obtainable with natural abundance salts. The laser output is also more confined spectrally. Over 50% of the power is contained in one or two spectrally narrow lines that are associated with a particular metal halide molecule.

Abstract: Conventional discharge tubes comprise electrodes within a separate containing vessel. The electrodes are joined to an external circuit by electrical conductors which pass through the vessel wall via an insulated side arm. Such a construction has disadvantages in that careful manufacture is required and it is also difficult to produce a desired distribution of the active medium in a laser and maintain a stable optimum temperature. In an attempt to reduce these problems the invention provides a discharge vessel which comprises electrical conductors and insulators arranged alternately so that a separate discharge vessel is not required. Since the discharge vessel is partially thermally conducting, temperature control is facilitated by its fast response to stabilizing controls, heat being supplied from an external source.

Abstract: Laser apparatus having a very narrow (<1A) spectral output comprises a laser cavity having a metal vapor cell as one of the reflecting elements. This cell reflects the laser beam over a narrow wavelength region in the vicinity of one of the metal vapor's resonant absorption lines and achieves frequency locking to an atomic resonance line without any external frequency sensors or feedback loops.

Abstract: A gas laser having a metal inlet gas feed line assembly shaped as a coil, to function as an electrical inductance and therefore high impedance to pulses of electric current applied to electrodes at opposite ends of a discharge tube of a laser, for example. This eliminates a discharge path for the laser through the inlet gas feed line. A ferrite core extends through the coil to increase the inductance of the coil and provide better electric isolation. By elimination of any discharge breakdown through the gas supply, efficiency is increased and a significantly longer operating lifetime of the laser is provided.

Abstract: A laser tube including an anode and a hollow cathode and adapted to obtain laser oscillation by utilizing a negative glow generated in a space within the hollow cathode. The laser tube has an elongate cylindrical member in which the anode and the hollow cathode are disposed opposite to each other, and the hollow cathode has formed therein a plurality of holes for communication between its internal space and the space outside thereof. The laser tube may further include a conducting grid provided in proximity to the anode and a conducting grid provided in a cathode dark space.