US3720877A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Metal vapor discharge tube using metal and semi-metal compounds in a discharge tube
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1970-09-25
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Granted: 1973-03-13
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Expires: 1990-09-25
Abstract
Abstract A metal vapor discharge tube device including a discharge tube and means for introducing a metal or semi-metal into the discharge tube without auxiliary heating. The metal or semi-metal is introduced as a compound of a metal or semi-metal and a nonmetallic radical having a vapor pressure greater than one torr at the temperature of the discharge tube (which for most discharge tubes can be as high as about 300* C). The discharge in the tube causes the decomposition of the compound, thereby releasing the metal or semi-metal into the discharge for excitation. If desired, the excitation can produce lasing and the device may be used as a metal vapor laser.
Inventors
- 👤 C Zarowin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 12:33
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/02; H01S3/03; H01S3/031
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
A metal vapor discharge tube device comprising: a discharge tube containing a gas, means for exciting said gas in said tube to produce an electrical discharge in said tube, said electrical discharge causing said discharge tube to operate at a given temperature, and means for introducing a compound of a metal or semi-metal and a non-metallic radical into said tube in the vapor state, said compound having a vapor pressure greater than one torr at the operating temperature of said discharge tube during said discharge, wherein said electrical discharge decomposes said metal or semi-metal compound into the metal or semi-metal and the non-metallic radical followed by electron excitation of the metal to produce population inversion, wherein said decomposition occurs without external heating but is due to the operating temperature of the discharge tube.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
133 words
A metal vapor discharge tube device comprising: a discharge tube containing a gas, means for exciting said gas in said tube to produce an electrical discharge in said tube, said electrical discharge causing said discharge tube to operate at a given temperature, and means for introducing a compound of a metal or semi-metal and a non-metallic radical into said tube in the vapor state, said compound having a vapor pressure greater than one torr at the operating temperature of said discharge tube during said discharge, wherein said electrical discharge decomposes said metal or semi-metal compound into the metal or semi-metal and the non-metallic radical followed by electron excitation of the metal to produce population inversion, wherein said decomposition occurs without external heating but is due to the operating temperature of the discharge tube.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A metal vapor discharge tube device according to claim 1 wherein said gas and said metal or semi-metal in said discharge tube is excited by said excitation means to produce stimulated emission of light.
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) | 1976-03-12 | 1976-09-11 | 1977-03-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-03-12 | 1980-09-11 | 1981-03-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-03-12 | 1984-09-11 | 1985-03-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |