Abstract: A sealed-off CO.sub.2 laser employs a catalyst to promote the recombination of CO and oxygen. The catalyst is loosely contained within a catalyst holder having a plurality of apertures and the catalyst is brought into contact with the gas by means of the pressure pulse caused by the electric discharge.

Abstract: A laser having its lasing medium located within two or more portions of a single optical cavity. The lasing media within different portions of a single optical cavity are excited in sequence to obtain lasing actin over an extended temporal period.

Abstract: A CO.sub.2 laser has a cylindrical housing of vitreous or ceramic material enclosing two confronting main electrodes which are connected across a trigger circuit, one of these electrodes being in conductive contact with a metallic layer surrounding substantially the entire outer surface of the housing to serve as an excitation electrode generating a corona discharge inside the housing. The gas in the housing is under substantially atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A gas laser has an electrode of improved construction. The electrode, for example a cathode, comprises an inner cathode and at least an outer cathode spaced from the inner cathode and disposed on the side thereof away from to an anode. Each of the cathodes has a central hole from which glow discharge is formed, and the outer cathode further has a plurality of through-holes around the central hole. A gas medium flowing in a discharge tube passes through the central hole of the inner cathode via the central hole and through-holes of the outer cathode. The gas medium forcedly enters the glow discharge from the inner cathode thereby to cause it expand and a part of the gas medium having passed through the through-holes of the outer cathode squeeze the glow discharge from the outer cathode so that the glow discharge can enter the glow discharge from the inner cathode. Therefore, the current density of the glow discharge in the discharge tube is made information.

Abstract: Apparatus for establishing and maintaining a stable electrical discharge across a stream of gas flowing through a gas flow channel, particularly useful in high-power lasers, comprises a plurality of modular elements each including a plurality of electrodes, a ballast impedance for each electrode, and a cooling element for each electrode in thermal communication with the electrode and its ballast impedance, all embedded within a block of insulating material. The ballast impedances for the electrodes at the downstream side of the gas flow channel have lower impedance values than those for the electrodes at the upstream side of the channel so as to compensate for the lower impedance of the gas flowing through the channel at the downstream side and to produce a substantially constant voltage across the various portions of the channels.

Abstract: A pair of electrodes for producing a very uniform electric field within a predetermined region. The electrodes have a special theoretically-derived shape which inherently terminates the electrodes just outside the predetermined region, thereby overcoming any need to empirically truncate the design to achieve compactness and low inductance. In contrast to conventional truncated designs, the performance of electrodes shaped according to the present invention is analytically predictable, thereby minimizing the need for time-consuming experimentation.

Abstract: Sheetform conductor type capacitor for energy storage in combination with a high-energy laser of the TE type, the laser having an optical axis, a laser chamber with at least two laser electrodes having a gas space therebetween, the laser electrodes being spaced apart opposite each other and extended parallel to the optical axis, excitation taking place by an arc-free capacitor discharge in the gas space being as homogeneous as possible, and pre-ionization devices associated with the laser electrodes, a pulse forming network, connected to the laser electrodes, coatings of the sheetform conductor type capacitor connected to the laser electrodes, electrodes defining a fast-high-voltage contact-break distance, the contact-break electrodes being connected to the laser electrodes, dielectric layers disposed between the coating of the sheetform conductor type capacitor in a direction substantially normal to a given stacking direction thereto parallel to the optical axis of the laser, the at least two laser electrode

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.

Abstract: A longitudinal-discharge-pulse laser has two coaxial sections in the form of glass tubes joined together by a grounded central electrode and terminated by two outer electrodes. Each glass tube carries on its outer surface a multiplicity of metal rings connected in parallel, via a step-up transformer, to the anode of a first thyratron for energization with a steep negative pulse to generate a corona effect for the preionization of a gas mixture in the tubes on command of a pulse-cadence generator. This generator also controls a second thyratron, with a predetermined delay, which applies negative trigger pulses to the two outer electrodes for initiating a pumping discharge of the laser.

Abstract: The laser comprises a gas-filled channel (51) extending between a pair of metal plates (2 and 3). The laser is excited by a spark discharge through the gas from one plate to the other. The energy for the spark comes form a pair of built-in capacitors extending between the plates on either side of the channel. The plates constitute the plates of the capacitors, and apart from a plastic retaining wall (37, 39) round each capacitor, the capacitor dielectric is water. The water is advantageously pumped (47) round a cooling circuit (48), and it is not permanently damaged if an accidental discharge takes place through the water. The invention is particularly applicable to nitrogen and to excimer lasers.

Abstract: In an arc discharge device, a thin film bridges the gap(s) between adjacent electrodes, thereby enabling the arc discharge to be initiated and sustained by a low voltage D.C. supply. Application of the invention to both light source (e.g., laser) and material working (e.g., metal deposition) embodiments is described. One of the light source embodiments utilizes a cathode electrode which includes a pool of liquid Hg to generate a Hg ion plasma.

Abstract: High-energy laser of the TE-type with excitation taking place by an arc-free capacitor discharge being as homogeneous as possible, including a housing having walls formed at least partially of high voltage-resistant insulating material defining a laser chamber having a gas space, at least two first and second electrodes being extended in the laser chamber and surrounded by regions of the housing walls, the electrodes being disposed opposite each other, spaced apart and parallel to the optical axis of the laser, the excitation taking place in the gas space between the electrodes, a preionization device disposed in the laser chamber, a current feed connected to the first electrode, a current return being connected to the second electrode and being in the form of metallic wall portions extended from the second electrode along the outside of the housing of the laser chamber at least to the vicinity of the region of the housing wall surrounding the first electrode, the insulating material of the housing in the gas

Abstract: A laser system with a folded beam path is disclosed. The beam path is formed by a plurality of mirrors (18-21). Mirrors (18-21) reflect light in a closed loop from one mirror to the other. Electrodes are disposed on opposite sides of the path between the mirrors and form channels through which the path extends. In addition to serving to direct the beam in a closed loop, one of the mirrors may have the characteristic of reflecting one wavelength of light with a reflectivity of 100% while reflecting other wavelengths of light with a reflectivity of only 85%, such mirror thus acting to pass the other wavelength of light while completely reflecting the one wavelength of light. In one of the disclosed embodiments, four wavelengths of light are directed in a loop comprising mirrors 85% reflective to a wavelength while otherwise 100% reflective which promotes ring laser operations with respect to other wavelengths without passing such other wavelengths.

Abstract: A high power excimer laser emits a pulsed output at a high repetition rate in the ultraviolet wavelength region and a uniform power output across the laser beam. By subjecting doped silicon wafers to the pulsed laser output, epitaxial regrowth of silicon crystals can be induced to repair damage to the silicon crystal structure which normally occurs during implantation of the dopant materials.

Abstract: A gas laser in which the gas is excited by laser discharge, said laser including two capacitors formed by two parallel metal plates (2, 3) between which two dielectric parts (4,5) are spaced apart to form a passage (6) which contains the laser gas. It further includes a transformer (13) whose secondary winding (12) is connected to the plates and whose primary winding (14) is connected in series with a capacitor (15), means (17) for charging and capacitor and a thyristor (16) for discharging the capacitor in the primary winding. Application to exciting gas lasers in which the gas contains a dye stuff.

Abstract: A waveguide gas laser of improved stability and efficiency resulting from novel improvements. Such improvements, including longitudinal RF excitation, unique ballasting techniques, a novel drive circuit design that is immediately responsive to defeat unstable hot spot problems, and a controlled power excitation function, result in an RF excited waveguide gas laser that substantially overcomes disadvantages of prior art devices.In one embodiment the invention consists of a longitudinally excited RF waveguide laser in which the spacing geometry of the electrodes is variable independently of the waveguide chamber geometry resulting in increased performance efficiency. In addition, hot spot problems are eliminated or substantially reduced by capacitive ballasting achieved through novel structural configurations including electrodes that are isolated from the waveguide chamber by means of a suitable dielectric spacing medium such as ceramic or aluminum oxide.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing laser radiation which includes a pair of discharge electrodes for firing a gas discharge which extends transversely with respect to the axis of the laser resonator, wherein pre-ionization is produced by a corona discharge, a charging-and-discharging circuit and a gas circulating-and-cooling system. The first electrode is secured to the wall of the gas chamber which is made from non-conducting material, wherein the securing elements serve as current supply means. The second electrode is mounted to the same wall as the first electrode on a plurality of metal rods. Such metal rods simultaneously provide the mechanical support function and the electrical current supply, and, at least in the region of the gas chamber, are surrounded by an insulator tube having a high dielectric constant so that a corona discharge can be produced between the first electrode and the insulated metal rods.

Abstract: A gas laser apparatus having an anode and a cathode for imparting a glow discharge to a stream of laser gas in response to a high d.c. voltage, also includes a dielectric electrode positioned within said stream of laser gas between the anode and cathode for exciting a pulsed silent discharge of the laser gas in response to an a.c. high voltage power source that supplies a pulsed high a.c. voltage to said dielectric electrode. A pulsed large-current glow discharge is produced between the anode and cathode to thereby emit a large, pulsed laser output. The apparatus may also include controls for controlling the power of the silent discharge excited by the dielectric electrode to thereby control the laser output.

Abstract: A gas transport laser has several discharge sections through which the laser gas flows and is attached on mounts. The mounts have borings for connection of the discharge tube sections, as well as for the intake and discharge in such a manner that the discharge tube sections, the gas supply and the gas discharge are parallel to each other.

Abstract: An RF excited metal waveguide laser wherein one of the two opposed electrodes forming the discharge region has its top surface thereof formed as a waveguide thus eliminating the dielectric sidewalls used in prior art metal waveguide lasers. In the preferred embodiment, an enclosure having metal sidewalls and bottom has one of the electrodes attached thereto and the opposite electrode is attached to a dielectric cover on the enclosure. The laser gas can be circulated through the entire enclosure to aid in the cooling of the electrodes. The preferred shape of the waveguide electrode is with a longitudinal and transverse concave radius of curvature.

Abstract: In a gas laser composed of a capillary tube made of electrically nonconductive material and presenting a capillary passage, a reservoir tank whose interior is in communication with the passage, the tank including a cylindrical portion coaxially surrounding the capillary tube and axial end portions via which the tube is connected to the tank in a manner to seal the interior of the tank, a mass of active laser gas filling the interior of the reservoir tank and the capillary passage, a cathode disposed in the interior of the tank, a counterelectrode in communication with the capillary passage, and optical elements sealing the ends of the capillary passage, the capillary tube is symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the capillary passage and midway between the ends thereof, the counterelectrode is composed of two anodes each disposed at a respective axial end of the capillary tube, communication between the capillary passage and the interior of the tank is provided by an opening passing

Abstract: A hybrid laser system, consisting of two different laser units, namely a reference laser (4), possibly an injection laser or a laser amplifier, and a transversely excited laser (TE-laser) (5), possibly a longitudinally pulsed or Q-switched laser, both lasers residing in a common housing. The first laser consists of a tube enclosing an isolated low pressure space and is bathed by coolant. The second laser is a high-pressure space enclosing a folded electrode system (14, 15). In order to achieve uniformity of temperature conditions and wavelength relations, both lasers share a common resonator volume (3) and are in fixed relative adjustment. The reference laser is used as a calibrating laser for frequency tuning of the resonator or, simultaneously, as a local oscillator, whereas the TE laser serves to generate a laser pulse.

Abstract: A coaxial-type carbon dioxide gas laser includes an oscillator comprising a gas inlet for introducing gas into a discharge tube through a gas supply chamber having a hollow cylindrical body which serves to disturb the gas flow and orientate the gas toward the discharge tube via a space defined between the discharge tube and the hollow cylindrical body. The gas which has been subjected to an electrical discharge is drawn out of the discharge tube through a chamber and a gas outlet connected therewith. A pair of anode and cathode electrodes are disposed adjacent to the ends of the discharge tube. One of the electrodes is mounted on the gas supply chamber and is annular in shape. The gas supply chamber and the hollow cylindrical body jointly define a gap for passage therethrough of the gas fed from the gas inlet toward the discharge tube via the space. The space is large in cross section than the gap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating microwave radiation includes a cathode, comprising parallel side wall means, a first end wall and a second end wall parallel to the first end wall, which defines a space. An aperture is defined within each of the end walls. An elongated anode extends across the defined space and outwardly through the apertures. Free electrons are generated adjacent to the anode and a positive potential is applied between the cathode and the anode. Electrons are trapped in a surrounding relation with the anode and microwave radiation is generated. In an alternate embodiment, a pair of spaced-apart radial steps in the radius of the anode is used to replace the first and second end walls to form electrostatic mirrors for confining free electrons therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved coupling circuit for use in combination wth a gas laser including a laser bore and electrode structure which includes an elongated chamber of cross-sectional dimensions suitable for confining a laser gas discharge with the elongated chamber being formed from a dielectric material and an opposing pair of parallel electrode plates, which are formed from an electrically conductive material, for transversely exciting a laser gas. An rf generator applies a voltage of alternating polarity between the pair of parallel electrode plates at a frequency ranging from 10 MHz to about 3 GHz to establish a laser gas discharge in the laser gas. A pair of optical reflectors for reflecting and guiding light energy from the laser gas discharge so that the light energy is optically independent of the internal walls of the elongated chamber as the light energy travels longitudinally the length thereof.

Abstract: A laser utilizing mercury halides as the lasing medium is disclosed. Electrodes selectively coated with a mercury gettering material are utilized to establish a glow discharge in the lasing medium. Proper ratio of mercury to bromine is maintained in the lasing medium to ensure long life operation.

Abstract: A pair of excitation electrodes in a laser cavity, filled with a gas mixture at substantially atmospheric pressure, are connected across a pumping capacitor by way of part of the winding of an autotransformer in series with a pre-ionizing device within the cavity acting as a trigger switch. The pre-ionizing device comprises a dielectric tube carrying a plurality of axially spaced-apart metal rings constituting a condenser chain, the rings being provided with pointed extensions confronting one another to serve as corona electrodes. Contral pulses applied to a conductor inside the tube cause a spark discharge through the cascaded corona gaps of the trigger switch with resulting energization of the autotransformer and discharge of the pumping capacitor across the excitation electrodes. The metal rings may be interconnected by high-ohmic resistors establishing a uniform field distribution therebetween.

Abstract: An improved electrode configuration and method for the deposition of electrical energy into an electric discharge laser having a gas path transversely disposed to an optical axis and the electric field is disclosed. The electrode configuration includes a cathode, having a row of preionization electrodes with each preionization electrode typically having the configuration of a pin and power electrodes positioned downstream of and in a parallel relationship to the row of preionization electrodes wherein the power electrodes typically have a configuration of a rod, and a planar anode disposed opposite the cathode in a parallel relationship thereto, wherein the cathode and the anode define the gas path therebetween.

Abstract: A CO.sub.2 laser wave guide, which is excitable by a high frequency signal, as two boron nitride bodies (11a, 11b; 111a, 111b) which are held in position in a housing (10) by a specially shaped spring (14, 114) which presses the boron nitride bodies against the inner surface (10a) of the housing for good heat transfer and dissipation. A spacer (18) holds the boron nitride bodies apart to provide a gap (15) in which one electrode is held. The specially shaped spring operates, in addition to holding the boron nitride bodies in place, as the opposite electrode. This structure requires few parts and these parts do not have to meet high tolerance requirements, nor is it necessary to provide a high surface finish for the individual components.

Abstract: Numerous laser transitions in the visible and near-infrared in four metal vapors (Li, Al, Ca, and Cu) have been observed in the recombination phase of the expanding plasmas produced by a segmented plasma device employing foil electrodes. Also described is a segmented vapor plasma discharge in using Ni foil electrodes.

Abstract: An improved argon-ion gas laser utilizes a dispenser-type cathode and within the cathode shroud mounts a preignition electrode and a heat shield enabling the cathode to be operated efficiently and within a 900.degree.-1050.degree. C. temperature range over an extended period of time.

Abstract: The disclosed molecular excimer laser discharge tube employs a transverse ectrical discharge with a UV preionization. The discharge tube is made of pure quartz with two optical quality windows fused onto the two ends. The mechanical support and electrical feedthrough for the profiled molybdenum cathodes are provided by commercially available quartz molybdenum cup seals. The anode is made of perforated molybdenum sheet and is supported by slots formed in quartz plates. The preionization for the main discharge is generated from "V" cuts provided in a molybdenum ribbon sealed in a quartz tube.

Abstract: An ultraviolet preionizer for high power gas lasers. The preionizer is a spark gap array or groups of arrays adapted to be fired preceeding the main discharge pulse of the laser. A fast energy dump to the spark array results in efficient ultraviolet light production. The spark gaps of an array are automatically fired in sequence providing a series current path through the gaps to dump the energy, while providing an electrical glow discharge at each gap for ultraviolet emission.

Abstract: A multilayer high temperature, low inductance capacitor consisting of alternate layers of metal and dielectric insulator materials which are inert with respect to metal halide environments is directly affixed to a planar electrode of a high temperature metal halide laser system to improve laser performance.

Abstract: A gas laser includes a pair of subsidiary electrodes to form a sharpening gap. These subsidiary electrodes are located within the envelope of the laser so as to be exposed to the same gas or mixture of gases that flow between the main electrodes and support the main lasing action. The efficiency of the laser and the lifetime of the electrodes of the sharpening gap are thereby improved, together with other advantages.

Abstract: Uniform, transverse electrical discharges are produced in gaseous media without the necessity of switching the main discharge voltage with an external device which carries the entire discharge current. A three-electrode low pressure discharge tube is charged across its anode (1) and cathode (2) to below breakdown voltage using a dc voltage source (3). An array of resistors (4) or capacitors can be made to discharge to the wire screen anode by means of a low energy high voltage pulse circuit (5) producing sufficient preionization in the region between the anode and cathode to initiate and control the main discharge. The invention has been demonstrated to be useful as a CO.sub.2 laser oscillator and pulse-smoother. It can be reliably operated in the sealed-off mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating microwave radiation includes a cathode, comprising parallel side wall means, a first end wall and a second end wall parallel to the first end wall, which defines a space. An aperture is defined within each of the end walls. An elongated anode extends across the defined space and outwardly through the apertures. Free electrons are generated adjacent to the anode and a positive potential is applied between the cathode and the anode. Electrons are trapped in a surrounding relation with the anode and microwave radiation is generated.

Abstract: An electrical signal, such as a high current pulse, is applied to a series of two or more conducting strips (101-110) installed in series in a laser cavity (150, 151) containing either a buffer gas or a vacuum. The strips are separated by small gaps. When the electrical signal is applied to the strips, plasmas (141-149) are formed in the gap regions. The plasmas are comprised of ions from the strip material. Once formed, these plasmas expand hemispherically, cool and recombine to generate radiation. The composition of the plasmas depends on the strip material, the electric field in the gaps, the gap size and the background gas type and pressure.

Abstract: A ring laser having at least one cathode and means for illuminating the cathode.

Abstract: A laser electrode assembly comprises an elongated bar having a plurality of longitudinally spaced sockets and is removably secured to a carrier which is anchored to the laser base and has a like number of plugs resiliently press-fitted within the sockets, respectively. Each plug has opposed sides to which are fastened a plurality of outwardly curved resilient fingers extending parallel to the direction of insertion of the plugs into the sockets. Each socket has a width less than the overall width of the plug and finger combination so that the fingers resiliently frictionally engage the bar within each socket. The bar is readily removed from the carrier for maintenance and repair purposes by prying the former from the plugs without necessitating removal of screws or bolts and thereafter passing the bar through the window opening aligned with the discharge gap.

Abstract: A waveguide laser having a gain medium excited by a capacitively coupled self-sustained discharge is disclosed. The gain medium is disposed within a dielectric waveguide having a capillary bore centrally located therein. A gain medium such as a rare gas halide mixture is excited by a capacitively coupled discharge between a power electrode circumferentially and axially enveloping a central portion of the waveguide and ground electrodes disposed proximate the ends of the waveguide between the mirrors defining the optical cavity of the laser. A preferred embodiment of the laser further includes means for circulating the gain medium through the waveguide. The present invention is adapted for providing pulses of radiation having a wavelength in the ultraviolet and visible spectrum and pulse widths typically less than 30 nanoseconds with peak powers in excess of one kilowatt.

Abstract: A gas laser having preionization means which comprises an elongated glass tube extending beside the glow discharge volume for the length of the laser cavity, there being a central conductor inside the tube and a conductive strip or spaced strips bonded to the outside of the tube. The inner wire and outer strip are connected respectively to the same high voltage pulse leads which provide the main laser discharge. Ultraviolet radiation from the conductive strips on the tube preionizes the laser gas and creates a stable uniform laser electric discharge.

Abstract: A gas laser for generating multiline emissions when appropriately energized. The laser includes an anode-cathode assembly (18, 16, 18) and, in a first embodiment, adjustable Brewster end sections, or in a second embodiment, integral mirror end sections (70, 72). The anode-cathode assembly comprises two center located short cylindrical anodes (16a, 16b) and two segmented cylindrical hollow cathodes (18) located symmetrically adjacent the split anode (16a, 16b). The anodes and cathodes are electrically insulated by a cylindrical metal ceramic seal (20). The outer surface of each cathode (18) is covered with quartz insulating sleeves (24) to prevent electrical discharge from the outer cathode surface and to encourage effective inner cathode discharge. The cathode (18) is thermally connected to the external environment through a structure (26) coupled to the cathode and the laser tube envelope (11) to improve heat dissipation, thereby allowing higher input power.

Abstract: A bifilar helical electrode arrangement for the transverse gaseous laser media and particularly adapted to produce laser radiation in those gaseous laser media, such as nitrogen, which are characterized by an extremely short lifetime of the upper laser level. As a consequence of the electrode geometry, the invention favors the generation of laser beams exhibiting a circular symmetric beam cross section which can easily be focused using customary spherical optics. The invention incorporates intertwined helical anode and helical cathode structures together with capacitors that are connected to the helical electrode structure via low-resistance and low-inductance leads or are directly interposed between successive convolutions of that helical electrode structures.

Abstract: Excitation system for fast pulsed discharge with excitation by a highly homogeneous arc-free capacitor-discharge in a gas space between and defined by at least two electrodes of a laser chamber, the two electrodes being spaced from one another and extending parallel to the optical axis of the laser, and with first and second stripline capacitors for induction-free energy-storage and for contacting the laser electrodes and electrodes of a fast high-voltage switching gap associated therewith, respectively, includes a plurality of electrodes forming part of the first and the second stripline capacitors, a plurality of dielectric layers disposed between the capacitor electrodes, the dielectric layers and the capacitor electrodes extending substantially normally to the optical axis of the laser and being stacked substantially parallel to the optical axis of the laser in a capacitor stack, and laterally extending connecting lugs connecting the capacitor electrodes to the electrodes of the laser chamber.

Abstract: A gas laser body, gas laser, a method of manufacture of gas laser body and a method of manufacturing a gas laser are disclosed. The gas laser body comprises a pair of glass plates with means located there between defining a plurality of communicating gas passages. One of said passages comprises a plasma tube. Electrodes may be formed by depositing metal on one or more said plates with said electrodes lying in one or more passages when said plates and means are assembled. The means may comprise another glass plate which has portions thereof cut away to form the gas passages. Alternatively the means may include one or more glass rods suitably shaped to define the gas passages when located between said first and second plates.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating with AC excitation, a substantially uniform electric field within a predetermined volume, typically in a region of a gas discharge device. The apparatus comprises an electrode assembly including a plurality of elongated electrodes disposed, equidistantly from one another and angularly displaced around a common axis so as to define the region of discharge. An approximately uniform discharge field is created within the discharge region by applying a harmonically varying potential to the electrodes, the phase of the applied potential at each electrode being a function of the relative angular position of that electrode.

Abstract: A high pressure transverse excitation type laser oscillator comprises a plane anode and a plurality of rod type cathodes to form glow discharge. Each cathode is covered with a cylindrical insulator having heat resistance except for a small discharge surface whereby the shift of the glow discharge caused by varying the pressure or the discharge current can be prevented to thus obtain stable glow discharge.

Abstract: A transverse excitation atmospheric pressure laser employing a preionizing flash board formed on one of the sides of the laser tube. The side wall of the laser tube acts as an insulating support plate having a backing plate on the outside surface and a set of subsidiary electrodes on the inside surface. The subsidiary electrodes are short cylinders bonded to the inside surface of the support plate and having a flanged portion at the opposite end. The preionizing discharge takes place between adjacent subsidiary electrodes in the region between the flanged portions and is thus removed from the support plate. The material for the flanged portions has a high melting point and a low sputtering capability.A U-shaped enclosure provides a grounded housing for all the high voltage components and also provides a path for the discharge currents.

Abstract: Discharge electrodes suitable for CO.sub.2 and other electrically excited gas lasers are improved by the substitution of a single row of electrodes having an emissive area greater than the pin electrodes of the prior art and being spaced a greater distance upstream from the power electrodes.