Shock wave generator

摘要

A shock wave generator for the fragmentation of concrements, having a light-pulse-transmiting light guide and a converter arranged at the distal light guide end and having an ionization surface which, when a light pulse impinges, initiates a shock wave in the surrounding fluid, as well as having a shock wave outlet zone. In order to increase its efficiency and durability, the generator is constructed such that the ionization surface extends obliquely sloped with respect to the beaming axis of the impinging light pulse and the shock wave outlet zone is arranged in the direct shock wave beaming area of the ionization surface, thereby permitting a largely unhindered, low-loss propagation for the shock wave to the application point.