High pressure gas laser using uniform field electrode configuration with irradiation by corona discharge
A molecular gas laser is describd that is capable of operating at or near atmospheric pressure in which electrical energy is coupled into an active molecular gas medium comprising molecules having vibrational rotational energy levels by means of an electric field transverse to the lasing axis. By applying an impulse voltage to the electrode configuration, high current glow discharges can be created. The pulse discharge takes place between electrodes having parallel planar surfaces facing each other. The lateral edges of these faces are suitably profiled to avoid field concentrations and thus provide a diffused glow discharge in a uniform electric field transverse to the lasing axis. Initiatory electrons required to produce the high current diffused flow are provided by generating an intense burst of corona in the gap between spacer members having very high dielectric constants which are interposed between the electrodes. Specifically, when a voltage pulse is applied to the gap between the spacer elements a very high field appears at the interface and generates an intense burst of corona which provides ultraviolet irradiation of the cathode resulting in the emission of electrons. 16 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures.
- Assignee:
- Westinghouse Electric Corp.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 3935547
- OSTI ID:
- 7286575
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 30 May 1973
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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