Efficient cathode assembly for metal vapor laser

Patent · Tue Jan 27 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6865017

Wang, S C; Hamerdinger, R W

A metal vapor laser tube is described for generating simultaneous multi-line emissions comprising: a gas-filled envelope having a longitudinal axis, the gas including as a portion thereof a given metal vapor, an anode electrode forming a portion of the envelope; a cathode assembly comprising a perforated hollow cathode located within the envelope and coaxially disposed with respect to the anode electrode portion of the envelope and concentric therewith, a metal member positioned with respect to the hollow cathode, the metal member when vaporized providing the given metal vapor, and an insulator member in contact with the metal member; and anode screen interposed between the anode electrode and the cathode assembly and electrically coupled to the anode electrode; coaxially aligned end members, the end members and the envelope being adapted to provide a structure for confining a gaseous medium therein; means for generating a dc voltage; and means for applying the dc voltage between the anode screen and the cathode assembly whereby a discharge between the cathode and the anode screen is created. The gas is excited by the discharge for stimulating continuous wave, simultaneous multi-line emissions along the longitudinal axis of the cathode.

• Assignee: Xerox Corp., Stamford, CT
• Patent Number(s): US 4639926
• OSTI ID: 6865017
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420300* -- Engineering-- Lasers-- (-1989)
ALIGNMENT
ANODES
CATHODES
CURRENTS
DIRECT CURRENT
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRICAL INSULATORS
ELECTRODES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTS
EMISSION
ENERGY-LEVEL TRANSITIONS
EQUIPMENT
EVAPORATION
EXCITATION
FLUIDS
GAS LASERS
GASES
HOLLOW CATHODES
LASER RADIATION
LASERS
METAL VAPOR LASERS
METALS
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
POSITIONING
RADIATIONS
SCREENS
WAVE PROPAGATION