Abstract A gas laser utilizes a magnetic field having components transverse to the flow of an energizing gas, such as nitrogen, to induce currents within the energizing gas which result in electron collisions with the molecules of the energizing gas to thereby preferentially excite the energizing gas to a vibrational level conductive to the transfer of energy through resonant collisions to a lasting gas. One embodiment comprises a gas laser with electric discharge excitation of a new variety having its own intrinsic power supply whereby excitation of the energizing gas is accomplished solely through collisions with electrons created through magnetogasdynamic (MGD) effects. In a second embodiment, the magnetogasdynamics may be provided in a gas dynamic laser of the type using a rapid cooling of an energizing gas having a high heat enthalpy so as to augment the population inversions created by the freezing of energy states as a result of rapid cooling of the energizing gas, or in a gas laser employing electric discharge excitation. In one form, the lasing gas, possibly together with a relaxation agent such as helium, is injected into a laser cavity through which the preferentially excited energizing gas flows. In another form, the magnetogasdynamics are employed at the laser cavity.
In a gas laser of the type including: a source of gas including a molecular gas; a chamber; and fluid conduit means interconnecting said source and said chamber; the improvement comprising: means causing the flow of said gas along said conduit means and through said chamber at a preselected flow rate; and excitation means for imparting energy into said molecular gas in a manner to preferentially excite molecules of said flowing gas to a vibrational energy state, said excitation means consisting solely of means for producing a magnetic field in said chamber having substantial components normal to said flow.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
99 words
In a gas laser of the type including: a source of gas including a molecular gas; a chamber; and fluid conduit means interconnecting said source and said chamber; the improvement comprising: means causing the flow of said gas along said conduit means and through said chamber at a preselected flow rate; and excitation means for imparting energy into said molecular gas in a manner to preferentially excite molecules of said flowing gas to a vibrational energy state, said excitation means consisting solely of means for producing a magnetic field in said chamber having substantial components normal to said flow.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The improvement according to claim 1 wherein said magnetic field producing means comprises a plurality of annular magnets for establishing toroidal fields thereabout, adjacent ones of said magnets establishing fields of opposite sense.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The improvement according to claim 1 wherein said magnetic field producing means includes means for establishing at least two magnetic fields of opposite sense transversely with respect to the flow of energizing gas through said fluid conduit means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The improvement according to claim 1 further comprising: auxiliary means independent of said flow means and said last named means for imparting additional energy into said flowing gas at a point separate from said chamber.