Modular UV preionization package for a CO.sub.2 laser
US4882735A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 1988 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/09716
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
To eliminate a parasitic optical pulse and achieve other advantages a TEA CO.sub.2 gas laser has a sealed module 10 for providing photoionization radiation to a lasant gas mixture comprised of CO.sub.2. The sealed module includes a photoionization gas comprised of N.sub.2 and an envelope 12 for containing the photoionization gas. The module further includes within the envelope a preionizer device for inducing the photoionization gas to emit electromagnetic radiation within a predetermined range of wavelengths. The device is preferably a corona discharge type of semiconductor preionizer although spark discharge devices such as trigger wires, gaps and the like may be employed instead. The module further includes a window 32 which is comprised of material, such as LiF, that is substantially transparent to electromagnetic radiation within the predetermined range of wavelengths for coupling the electromagnetic radiation out of the envelope. Electrical terminals 18 and 20 exit the envelope and serve to conductively couple the preionizer to a source of high voltage energy. A laser includes at least one and preferably a pair of such sealed modules which flank the discharge region and which…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.