Wick for metal vapor laser

Patent · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:868470

Duncan, David B ^[1]

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1. Livermore, CA

An improved wick for a metal vapor laser is made of a refractory metal cylinder, preferably molybdenum or tungsten for a copper laser, which provides the wicking surface. Alternately, the inside surface of the ceramic laser tube can be metalized to form the wicking surface. Capillary action is enhanced by using wire screen, porous foam metal, or grooved surfaces. Graphite or carbon, in the form of chunks, strips, fibers or particles, is placed on the inside surface of the wick to reduce water, reduce metal oxides and form metal carbides.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5148440
• OSTI ID: 868470
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

wick
metal
vapor
laser
improved
refractory
cylinder
preferably
molybdenum
tungsten
copper
provides
wicking
surface
alternately
inside
ceramic
tube
metalized
form
capillary
action
enhanced
wire
screen
porous
foam
grooved
surfaces
graphite
carbon
chunks
strips
fibers
particles
placed
reduce
water
oxides
carbides
porous foam
metal carbide
vapor laser
inside surface
metal vapor
refractory metal
metal oxide
metal oxides
laser tube
form metal
ceramic laser
capillary action
metal carbides
wire screen
improved wick
preferably molybdenum
copper laser
/372/359/