Abstract:
Disclosed are several embodiments of a metal vapor laser having a window at each end in which cataphoretic means are employed for both propagating the metal vapor between a vapor source and a condenser and for preventing condensation of the metal vapor on one or both of the windows. The cataphoretic means may include two or more spaced electrodes which are strategically placed along the length of the laser and which have applied thereto respective DC potentials of the proper polarity and value. Alternatively, the condenser may be omitted and a combination of both rectified and unrectified RF voltage of the proper values may be applied to the respective spaced electrodes of the metal vapor laser.
Abstract:
A replenishable gas discharge tube comprises a plurality of closed cells within the tube envelope, each cell containing a quantity of the ionizable gas, and means operable from outside the tube envelope for successively opening the cells to release the gas within the envelope. In one form of the invention, a plurality of pins are appropriately arranged within the tube envelope, which comprises a gas-tight bellows. The pins are caused to successively puncture the covers of the closed cells by increasing the engagement of two threaded members engaged outside the envelope, which movement is permitted by the bellows.