Cathode construction for long life lasers
US4007431A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 1975 |
| Grant date | Feb 8, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/0835
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A laser gyro is disclosed having a long life cathode located therein. The laser gyro comprises a block having a plurality of lasing tubes bored therethrough and being angularly disposed to each other to form a closed path within the block. A plurality of mirrors are positioned at the intersection of the tubes to reflect light from one tube into the next. A pair of anodes are inserted into two of the lasing tubes. A cavity is formed within the center of the block and is connected to the triangular laser path via a conduit. The cavity contains a cathode for conducting direct current to each of the anodes. These current flows energize the lasing gas to create a pair of laser beams moving in opposite directions in the closed path. The cathode is a closed end, hollow cylinder made of aluminum having a layer of oxide formed thereon by means of anodization. The anodizationn process causes a thicker oxide layer to be formed at the sharp corners, irregular machines surfaces, and other high field areas found in the cathode, thereby serving to limit the current and decrease the hot spots at those areas. As a result, the cathode has a longer life cycle than heretofore possible.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.