Systems and methods utilizing laser discharge electrodes with ceramic spoilers

US7079565B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Lambda Physik AG · DE

Inventors

• Igor Bragin · Göttingen, DE
• Vadim Berger · Oebisfelde, DE
• Oleg Melnikov · Oebisfelde, DE
• Konstantin Aab · Kassel, DE
• Juergen Baumler · Osterode, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 4, 2003
• Grant date: Jul 18, 2006
• Expiry date: Sep 30, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01S3/225
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Arcing can be minimized in a discharge chamber of an excimer or molecular fluorine laser system by utilizing an improved electrode structure. An electrode structure can include at least one ceramic spoiler positioned near the discharge region of the electrode. An insulating ceramic spoiler can reduce the effective area over which arcing can occur, and can reduce the likelihood of arcing by improving the flow of gas between the electrodes, such as by allowing for design flexibility and reducing the necessary height of a nose portion used to control the discharge area of the electrode. An improved blower design, which can utilize improved bearings and a dry film lubricant, can help to circulate the laser gas between the electrode structures, such as at a speed of at least 30 m/s in order to operate the laser at repetition rates of 4 kHz or higher.