APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GENERATING A PLURALITY OF ELECTRIC DISCHARGES

摘要

A gas laser includes first and second electrodes defining a first discharge path and third and fourth electrodes defining a second discharge path alongside the first. A respective impedance is associated with any electrical connection between the electrodes and a common power supply. The electrodes are electrically arranged such that stable electric discharges which coalesce are generated between respective electrodes of the first and second sets. The invention obiates the necessity for a plurality of power supplies whilst maintaining the required stability of operation.