US3708758A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Laser pumping apparatus
Assignee: Leica Microsystems Inc
•
Filing: 1970-11-27
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Granted: 1973-01-02
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Expires: 1990-11-27
Abstract
Abstract A circuit is disclosed for generating high voltage, low frequency alternating pulses having a high harmonic content of high frequencies sufficient to energize a gas laser. Two separate conductive electrodes are attached to the exterior of a gas laser tube and are connected to receive the high voltage for exciting and sustaining the operation of the laser.
Inventors
- 👤 K Snow
- 👤 R Vandewarker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 22:20
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/09; H01S3/097; H01S3/0975
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
A power source for a gas laser having electrodes in communication with a lasable gas mixture, comprising: a transformer including a primary winding and a secondary winding exhibiting a high step-up turns ratio between the primary winding and the secondary winding, the secondary winding connected to the electrodes; input circuit means connected between the primary winding and a source of energizing potential; a capacitor coupled in series with the primary winding; a controlled rectifier having its anode and cathode connected across the series circuit including the capacitor and the primary winding; and a trigger circuit coupled to the gate electrode of the controlled rectifier energized through the input circuit means by the source of energizing potential for periodically firing the controlled rectifier and thereby rapidly switching a low impedance path across the serially connected capacitor and the primary winding at a low frequency rate for the secondary winding to develop alternating irregular high voltage pulses having substantially high frequency components in the megacycle range across the electrodes causing the gas mixture to lase.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
16 words
The lasing apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein: the trigger circuit includes a neon lamp.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The lasing apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein: the trigger circuit includes a capacitor connected across the gate and cathode of the controlled rectifier.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
132 words
In a gas laser having electrodes in communication with a lasable gas mixture for receiving electrical energy for exciting the gas mixture, an improvement for generating the electrical energy for exciting the gas mixture, the improvement comprising: a step-up transformer including a primary winding for inductively coupling a secondary winding which is connected to the electrodes; a source of unidirectional electrical energy connected in series with the primary winding; and a vibrator connected in parallel with the primary winding of the step-up transformer and the energy source for providing alternating pulses of energy from the energy source to the primarY winding at a substantially low frequency to thereby induce in the secondary winding high voltage alternating pulses which include high frequencies in the megacycle range for exciting the gas mixture to lase.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
55 words
The improvement for exciting the gas mixture as defined in claim 5, wherein: the vibrator is electromagnetically coupled to the primary winding for providing alternating pulses of electrical energy from the energy source to the primary winding at the substantially low frequency, in a range in the order of 80 to 400 cycles per second.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
159 words
In a gas laser having electrodes in communication with a lasable gas mixture for receiving electrical energy for exciting the gas mixture, an improvement for generating the electrical energy for exciting the gas mixture, the improvement comprising: a step-up transformer including a primary winding for inductively coupling a secondary winding which is connected to the electrodes; a capacitor connected in series with the primary winding of the step-up transformer; a source of unidirectional electrical energy connected in series with the capacitor; and a switching circuit connected in parallel with both the energy source, and the capacitor and the primary winding of the step-up transformer for alternately providing a low impedance path across the capacitor for providing alternating pulses of energy from the energy source to the primary winding at a substantially low frequency to thereby induce in the secondary winding high voltage alternating pulses which include high frequencies in the megacycle range for exciting the gas mixture to lase.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The improvement for exciting the gas mixture, as defined in claim 7, wherein: the switching circuit includes a semiconductor switching device and a trigger circuit for firing the semiconductor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
The improvement for exciting the gas mixture, as defined in claim 8, wherein: said semiconductor switching device is a controlled rectifier; said source provides full wave rectified electrical pulses; and said trigger circuit fires said controlled rectifier circuit one or more times for each of said rectified pulses.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-02 | 1976-07-03 | 1977-01-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-02 | 1980-07-03 | 1981-01-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-02 | 1984-07-03 | 1985-01-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |