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 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: Ceramic bearings and races, each coated or implanted with metal, glass, boron fibers, carbon fibers, jade or horneblende are disclosed as bearings for the fan assembly of a laser. The bearings and races may be silicon nitride implanted with gold and may be used in the laser without potentially contaminating supplemental lubricants.

Abstract: An ion laser is constructed with means for generating a magnetic confinement field operating in the cathode transition region of the laser. The magnetic confinement field is preferably generated by first and second magnetic windings, each axially aligned with the laser volume, but disposed so as to generate first and second magnetic fields which are of opposite polarity. The first and second magnetic fields of opposite polarity combine to create a region of zero axial magnetic field, which in a preferred embodiment is located substantially within the cathode transition region of the laser. In an alternate embodiment, the first and second magnetic fields are of the same polarity, and therefore generate a region of minimized axial magnetic field, preferably located substantially within the cathode transition region of the laser.

Abstract: A high-frequency discharge pumped laser device for producing a laser oscillation through application of a high-frequency voltage to a discharge tube, which includes a plurality of tube segments constituting the discharge tube, means for passing a laser gas axially through each of the tube segments, high-frequency power supplies for supplying a high-frequency voltage to the tube segments to generate a laser beam output, and a partition wall made of an electroconductive material and arranged between adjacent tube segments, the potential of the partition wall being maintained at a constant level. As the potential of the partition wall is maintained at a constant level, a mutual current caused by a stray capacity between the tube segments is eliminated, and thus fluctuation of the laser beam output is reduced.

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: 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 laser preionization electrode (15, 17) formed of a dielectric tube (16) of square cross-section enclosing an electrode (18) of circular cross-section, the electrode (18) being of a large diameter on the order of 6.35 millimeters. A pair of such electrodes (15, 17) are located on either side of a main electrode (11) in a laser with the result that longer length preionization electrodes may be constructed while eliminating alignment problems of the prior art.

Abstract: The anode end of a gas laser is constructed so as to include an electrically and thermally insulating barrier between the Brewster window and the anode end of the tube bore thereby permitting cooler operating temperatures at the Brewster window and confinement of the electric discharge within the anode itself.

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 hollow metal member which holds a mirror of an optical resonator in a gas laser tube is electrically and mechanically connected with a hollow cathode by a spring. The spring is positioned either outside or on the inner surface of the hollow metal member and elastically forces one end of the cathode against the inner wall of the hollow metal member.

Abstract: A laser beam processing apparatus includes a body providing a generally cylindrical bounding structure for a cavity. A window allows admission of an incident light beam into the cavity and emission of a laser beam from the cavity. A plurality of reflectors are arranged to sequentially reflect the light beam and/or light generated thereby along a light path which is generally polygonal as viewed from an end of the cavity. Laser material is disposed in the light path whereby the light generated by the light beam includes light which is derived by stimulated emission from the laser material.

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: An especially inexpensive laser tube is formed having a mirror mount composed of a material which is not matched to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the mirror material and in that the material is either soft soldered or glued on with a glue that develops little gas.

Abstract: A plurality of thin wall ceramic-metal segments are brazed together to form a gas laser tube assembly. Within each segment there is mounted a refractory metal ferrule with a central hole. The series of holes formed in the ferrules define the discharge bore. A plurality of ferrules are mounted in each segment and each ferrule is separately mounted within a heat dissipating fin structure.

Abstract: The discharge section of an ion laser tube is made up of a plurality of axially spaced pillar members, each accommodating and holding a respective capillary tube within a central hole, the capillary tubes defining the discharge path. The pillar members are made of high thermal conductivity material, such as aluminum nitride, while the capillary tuves are made of a material, such as silicon carbide, having a high durability under plasma bombardment. The gap between adjacent capillary tubes is preferably equal to or less than the inner diameter of the capillary tubes.

Abstract: A laser oscillator device produces an electric discharge between confronting double helical electrodes for laser pumping. The electrodes (9b, 9b) are helically wound an integral number of turns, and start being helically wound at points which are .pi./n spaced about the axis of the discharge tube segments (1 ). This arrangement achieves a more completely circular mode and a fundamental mode.

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: The invention provides a gas-discharge laser comprising an array of pre-ionizing electrodes (PIP) operating by a sliding-spark discharge; there being an array provided on either side of each of the main electrodes (ME1, ME2) of the laser.

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: A rare gas-halogen excimer laser in which the laser gases are exposed only to compatible materials that react with the laser gases to produce stable reaction products having a low vapor pressure, so as to reduce contamination of the gases and optics. High-purity nickel is the preferred material for components that are electrically conductive, and high-purity alumina is the preferred material for components that are non-electrically conductive. No non-compatible materials are used. In another feature, magnetic fluid seals are provided for the laser's fan-shaft, to isolate the shaft bearings and thereby isolate any non-compatible lubricant for the bearings. The fan uses magnetic coupling so that an isolating enclosure may be placed over the magnetic fluid seal to prevent the leakage of gases into the surrounding environment if the seal ever fails.

Abstract: A transversely RF excited gas laser with an internally folded resonator includes an elongated chamber of cross-sectional dimensions suitable for confining a laser gas discharge, a plurality of reflectors and a laser gas. The reflectors form a stable folded laser resonator cavity of a compact geometry in order to efficiently extract laser power from the laser resonator cavity. There are at least two of the reflectors and at least one of the plurality of reflectors is concave. The laser gas is disposed in the folded resonator cavity which reflect and guide light energy from the laser gas discharge within the elongated chamber. The transversely RF excited gas laser with an internally folded resonator also includes a pair of electrodes and a pair of cooling electrodes. The electrodes are transversely disposed on the elongated chamber and excite the laser gas. The cooling electrodes are transversely disposed on the elongated chamber and electrically coupled to ground.

Abstract: A fast axial flow laser includes a vessel which houses heat exchangers and a pump which imparts the pumping action throughout the laser. Only one housing is necessary and this housing can also be used as an optical bench for the resonator. In one embodiment a positive displacement rotary pump is utilized and a retoreflector included to mount three fold mirrors. In the folded configuration the retroreflector provides angular stability in any two orthogonal planes parallel to the laser beam.

Abstract: A gas laser generator comprises a frame, a gas channel through which a gas flows, a mirror for obtaining a laser beam, defining a resonant cavity, an anode electrode and at least two first and at least two second cathode electrodes arranged in the lower and the upper portions of the resonant cavity, respectively, and a power source, in which a first voltage of a first electric field between the first cathode electrodes connected to the power source through a first ballast resistance and the anode electrode and a second voltage of a second electric field between the second cathode electrodes connected to the power source through a second ballast resistance and the anode electrode are so determined that the former is smaller than the latter so that the current flowing in the first electric field may be substantially equal to the current flowing in the second electric field during the electric discharges between the electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plasma apparatus where plasma is generated utilizing microwave discharge and laser excitation is performed and plasma processing is performed. More specifically, in a plasma apparatus where a microwave from a microwave oscillator is transmitted through a microwave transmission path to a microwave circuit, and plasma is generated by a microwave discharge within the microwave circuit, a plasma generating medium for generating the plasma is filled in a space formed between a conductor wall constituting a part of the microwave circuit and a dielectric installed opposite to the conductor wall, and the microwave circuit forms microwave mode having an electric field component orthogonal to the boundary between the dielectric and the plasma.

Abstract: Laser apparatus includes an outer envelope which contains a plurality of laser discharge tubes. Each of the laser discharge tubes includes copper pieces which, when vaporised, acts as a laser amplifying medium. Each of the laser discharge tubes is of the maximum volume compatible with good efficiency which, when combined with the output power of the other tubes, enables a very high power output to be achieved compared with previously known tubes.

Abstract: In a high frequency discharge excitation laser device, an auxiliary electrode (3) is arranged close to main electrodes (21), (22), an auxiliary discharge is generated between the main and auxiliary electrodes in addition to a main discharge between the main electrodes, and a high frequency discharge is maintained, and accordingly, a laser light oscillation is maintained even in a low power state, so that a high precision machining becomes possible.

Abstract: A modular CO2 laser has two end-flange devices, at least one intermediate-flange device, at least one metallic support tube that is resistant to bending and has two end regions fixedly mounted in the two end-flange devices and a central region to which the intermediate-flange device is secured. A partially-transmitting mirror device is provided at at least one of the end-flange devices, the mirror device comprising a mirror and a massive support plate carrying a mounting for the mirror. An adjusting-screw device is provided, which comprises a reference position forming an origin of X axis and Y axis coordinates. Two metal screws are situated in the X axis and Y axis respectively, the mirror being adjustable by rotation of at least one of the screws. The metal of the metallic support tube has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is not particularly low, and the metal of the metal screws has a particulary low coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: An ion laser includes a plurality of thin refractory metal disk members with the perimeter of the disks embedded directly into a ceramic plasma tube. A central aperture is formed in the middle of each disk, and a plurality of apertures are formed around the periphery of the disk. In the fabrication process, ceramic powder is compacted to form an outer plasma tube. Two separate tubes, each with electrodes and embedded washer ends, can be formed and fused to form a single tube. The disks (with the surrounding compacted ceramic disposed around the periphery of the disk) are stacked within the plasma tube and the green ensemble of ceramic and metal is fired in only one furnace step with controlled atmospheres. Hermetic cathode and anode electrodes are also formed in the same firing through the plasma tube. Ends are sealed with a mirror-mount of the Brewster window structure, in one embodiment either laser welded or soldered to a refractory metal end disk embedded in the green ceramic at the ends of the tube.

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 laser tube having two integrated laser mirrors and a polarization mean in the form of at least one polarizing layer arranged on a laser mirror. The layer is applied or formed at an angle of at least 80 degrees to a surface normal of the mirror. As a result, special polarization elements are eliminated, the structure is simplified, and the laser emission yield is increased.

Abstract: A laser comprises an interaction region formed by a wall surface of a capillary discharge tube which has been roughened along a continuous length thereof. This roughened surface suppresses and substantially eliminates diffraction rings in lasers.

Abstract: A directly heated catalyst 10 is comprised of an electrically conductive ceramic substrate 12 having a catalytic coating 14 applied to at least an outer surface thereof. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention the catalytic coating is a noble metal or non-noblemetal coating. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention a high surface area form of platinum (Platinum Black) is deposited upon a ceramic substrate, such as a substrate comprised of SiC or SnO.sub.2. The coating is brought to its activation temperature by resistively heating the substrate with an electrical current. A temperature sensing device (20, 40), such as a thermocouple or a thermostat, may be coupled to the catalyst structure for sensing the temperature of the catalyst to control the heater current supplied to the substrate. The catalyst is shown to be useful for CO.sub.2 gas lasers.

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 bore support assembly is used in construction of an outer envelope of a laser and for supporting an inner bore tube of the laser near its free end. The bore support assembly includes a generally planar joiner ring having radially spaced outer and inner peripheries. At its outer periphery, it becomes rigidly attached to the interior of the envelope during formation of the latter from separate bore assembly tube and reservoir tube sections. Its inner periphery has a central opening receiving the bore tube. The bore support assembly also includes a spider structure and a preform element for attaching it to the exterior of bore tube. The spider structure has an outer peripheral portion attached to the inner periphery of the joiner ring so as to position the spider structure on one side of the joiner ring and along the central opening thereof.

Abstract: The turn-on delay of a gas laser is significantly reduced by creating a region of higher electric field intensity between the plasma discharge-confining region of the laser and the laser anode. This is accomplished by creating one or more regions of higher conductivity along the surfaces of the laser tube structure. In one embodiment, a conductive strip is placed upon the surface of the capillary tube containing the plasma discharge. In other embodiments, a second electrode for concentrating the electric field in the preferred region of the tube is included.

Abstract: A gas laser tube assembly includes a gas laser tube having ends, optical elements each vacuum-tightly closing off a respective end of the gas laser tube, each of the optical elements including a washer-shaped ceramic flange and a terminating plate being transparent to laser radiation and thermally matched to the ceramic flange, the ceramic flange having an outer rim joined to the gas laser tube and a central beam passage opening formed therein, and the terminating plate having two base surfaces, and glass solder connecting the terminating plate to the ceramic flange with the terminating plate covering the beam passage opening and projecting beyond the ceramic flange with at least one of the base surfaces thereof and a method of manufacturing the same.

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 laser discharge tube has a substantially-rectangular discharge cross-section to achieve a high power of laser output with a shorter discharge tube length.

Abstract: A laser arrangement includes electron beam apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodes, each of which having an aperture therethrough. The apertures are aligned along the longitudinal axis of an envelope which surrounds them and contains gas. The electrodes are electrically connected such that, of an adjacent pair, one is at a lower potential than the other. An electron beam is produced between the first electrode and an adjacent electrode, and is accelerated along the axis through the apertures, the electron current increasing in magnitude. The electron beam produced is used to provide pumping powder to the gas contained within the envelope such that it acts as a laser amplifying medium.

Abstract: He--Ne gas discharge tube having a cylindrical tube body with an inside cathode cylinder and end walls which are inserted into ends of the tube body and which have for two capillary tubes, outside ends of which are closed by means of Brewster windows, exhaust pipe and connecting pin for the cathode cylinder. The tube, the end walls and the capillary tubes consist of calcium alkalisilicate glass or calcium alumosilicate glass. The end walls are sealingly connected by means of glass solder to the tube body, the capillary tubes, the exhaust pipe and the cathode connecting pin. The He--Ne gas discharge tube is characterized by a high helium tightness.

Abstract: An optical resonator for a laser includes an optical element mounted for rotation about two mutually transverse axes and controllable by a computer for automatically adjusting the orientation of the optical element.

Abstract: An ion laser includes a magnetic field source to generate an axial magnetic field in one region and transverse field components outside the region, the magnetic field source being shorter than the discharge channel of the laser. Axially spaced permanent magnets in the proximity of the discharge channel are adapted to the laser structure and can include magnetic rings or ring structures. The magnets are preferrably adjacent the cathode end of the discharge channel.

Abstract: A laser includes a discharge tube formed from one piece and penetrating, with play, into an anode chamber on one side and into a cathode chamber on the other side, the anode and cathode chambers having a thermal expansion coefficient different from that of the discharge tube. Bellows are hermetically welded by their first ends to the anode and sealed by a glass bead to the discharge tube at their second ends.

Abstract: A solid state laser comprises a laser element formed from crystalline, ceramic, glass ceramic, glass, or plastic material in the configuration of a rod or slab. The cooling capabilities of the rods or slabs are improved by the provision of internal bores or slots through which a coolant can flow, and/or by the provision of a modified cross-sectional profile whereby the cooling surface is increased and the distance between the interior regions of the rod or slab and the cooling surface is reduced. Alternatively, the cooling capacity of the laser system is improved by providing a rotating arrangement of laser material wherein only specific portions of the laser materials are subjected to pumping while other portions are cooling.

Abstract: A relatively high power gas laser includes a laser discharge tube formed of stacked alternating cooling wafers and ceramic wafers, the cooling wafers being provided with recesses set back from the discharge channel of the laser discharge tube.

Abstract: A FIR Laser cavity comprising a pair of concentric tubes of heatproof dielectric, a pair of nozzles intended for circulating within the space between said pair of tubes a refrigerating and thermally stabilizing fluid; a pair of laser heads disposed at the two ends of said tubular assembly which heads are provided with optical elements; a differential thread sleeve mounted concentrically with said tubes and intended for obtaining the longitudinal micropositioning of one of said heads with respect to one another; two series of three screws which are mounted with a starlike symmetry on said heads and intended for allowing a fine adjustment of the optics carried by said heads along two axes perpendicular to one another and with respect to the geometrical axes of said tubes by means of the elastic deformation of an O ring which is interposed between each head and the tubular body and an output optics carrier and comprising either a reflector and a window for the hermetic seal, or by the reflector alone, which is g