US3643175A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
The use of mercury in a carbon monoxide laser
Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corp
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Filing: 1970-09-10
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Granted: 1972-02-15
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Expires: 1990-09-10
Abstract
Abstract The room temperature efficiency of a carbon monoxide laser is increased by introducing mercury vapor into the gaseous discharge mixture. a further increase in efficiency in the laser is achieved when xenon is introduced into the mixture together with the mercury.
Inventors
- 👤 Mani L Bhaumik
- 👤 Michael M Mann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 15:03
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/14; H01S3/22; H01S3/223; H01S3/02; H01S3/03; H01S3/031; H01S3/038; H01S3/2232
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 comprising: discharging mercury vapor in a lasing region of a laser device.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 2 comprising: providing a laser tube into which said gaseous mixture is directed, forming spaced electrodes of mercury in said tube, and discharging said mercury between said electrodes into said tube.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 comprising: discharging the mercury vapor into the gaseous mixture prior to directing the mixture to a lasing region of a laser device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: adding xenon to the gaseous mixture used in the laser.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
60 words
A laser device comprising: a laser body having opposite reflective mirrors, means for directing a gaseous mixture containing carbon monoxide to said body, a source of mercury in said body, and means for causing mercury vapor to be discharged into said body to increase the room temperature efficiency of the lasing of the carbon monoxide in the resultant gaseous mixture.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
The laser device of claim 6 wherein: the source of mercury comprises two separate pools of mercury spatially disposed in said body, and means for creating an electrical potential between the two pools sufficient to cause a discharge of mercury vapor into the body.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
55 words
The laser device of claim 6 comprising: a continuous elongated pool of mercury disposed in the laser body, a plurality of separate electrode elements spatially disposed from said pool, and means for creating an electrical potential between the electrodes and said pool of mercury sufficient to cause a discharge of mercury vapor into the body.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-02-14 | 1975-08-16 | 1976-02-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-14 | 1979-08-16 | 1980-02-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-14 | 1983-08-16 | 1984-02-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |