APPARATUS FOR EMITTING A LASER BEAM

摘要

PCT No. PCT/FR89/00405 Sec. 371 Date Mar. 20, 1990 Sec. 102(e) Date Mar. 20, 1990 PCT Filed Aug. 2, 1989 PCT Pub. No. WO90/01820 PCT Pub. Date Feb. 22, 1990.A laser apparatus comprises a hollow waveguide containing a lasing gas composition; structure for directing radiation into the waveguide and for directing radiation out of the waveguide; and electrical exciting structure operatively associated with at least part of the waveguide. The waveguide defines a convoluted, continuously curved path having a helicoidal shape. The waveguide has a concave, non-closed transverse section with an open inner portion and is disposed within a gas-tight container containing the lasing gas composition. The waveguide is a laterally open groove formed internally in a cylindrical block disposed within the container.