TRANSVERSE EXCITATION SYSTEM FOR GAS LASER USING THREE ELECTRODES

摘要

An electrode structure for the excitation of a polyatomic gas laser consisting of an anode extending in the direction of the optical axis of the laser and a cathode on the opposite side of the axis to that of the anode, and a plasma forming electrode adjacent to the cathode with an opening therein in alignment with the cathode. When a high voltage pulse is placed between the anode and the cathode, an initial discharge occurs between the cathode and the plasma forming electrode and then a pumping discharge occurs between the plasma forming electrode and the anode.