RF excited CO.sub.2 slab waveguide laser

Details RF excited CO.sub.2 slab waveguide laser RF excited CO.sub.2 slab waveguide laser

1990-10-12

1992-07-14

Scott, Jr., Leon

Coherent light generators

Particular pumping means

Electrical

372 64, 372 69, H01S 3097

Patent

active

051310040

ABSTRACT:
A CO.sub.2 slab waveguide laser (10) is disclosed including a pair of spaced apart electrodes (36,38) having opposed light reflecting surfaces. The electrodes are dimensioned in a manner to guide light in a plane perpendicular to the reflecting surfaces. Light parallel to the reflecting surfaces is not constrained other than by the resonator mirrors (30,32). The resonator structure includes a negative branch unstable resonator in the nonwaveguide dimension. A stable resonator is used in the waveguide dimension but the mirror spacing from the end of the guide is based in part on the configuration of the unstable resonator. A unique support structure is disclosed for maintaining the electrodes in a spaced apart orientation without confining the discharge. Further refinements are disclosed for cooling the laser and for accommodating thermal expansion of the parts. An improved adjustable mirror assembly (26, 28) is provided which allows the tilt angle of the mirror to be varied from outside of the housing. Finally, a lamp (110) is provided for preionizing the discharge to faciliate starting.

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