US3745482A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Carbon dioxide laser employing multiple gases including helium
Assignee: AT&T Inc
•
Filing: 1970-11-30
•
Granted: 1973-07-10
•
Expires: 1990-11-30
Abstract
Abstract There is disclosed a laser providing emission of coherent radiation near 10 microns in the far infrared and utilizing transitions between vibrational-rotational levels in carbon dioxide. Also disclosed are beneficial effects from addition of helium to various forms of such a laser.
Inventors
- 👤 C Patel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 20:06
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/02; H01S3/03; H01S3/036; H01S3/14; H01S3/22; H01S3/223; H01S3/2232
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
47 words
An infrared laser according to claim 1 in which the partial pressure of said carbon dioxide is greater than about 0.2 Torr, the partial pressure of said nitrogen is greater than about 1.0 Torr, and the partial pressure of said helium is greater than about 3.0 Torr.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
An infrared laser according to claim 2 in which the containing means has lateral walls spaced at least 1 inch from every point of a central axis; said mixture including an active gas consisting essentially of carbon dioxide having a pressure between 0.2 and 0.4 Torr, an auxiliary gas comprising nitrogen having a pressure between 1.0 and 1.5 Torr, and helium having a pressure between approximately 3.0 and 10.0 Torr; and means for supplying a voltage across said mixture, said voltage being directly related to the partial pressure of helium.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
113 words
An infrared laser according to claim 2 in which the containing means comprises a cylindrical tube containing a mixture of gases and permitting the abstraction of radiation at about 10 microns from said gases; said tube having an internal diameter of at least 2 inches; said mixture including carbon dioxide having a pressure between 0.2 and 0.4 Torr, nitrogen having a pressure between 1.0 and 1.5 Torr, and helium having a pressure between 3.0 and 10.0 Torr; and excitation apparatus including an anode, an oxide-coated cathode and a direct-current source connected therebetween to establish a discharge in said mixture, said source having a voltage directly related to the partial pressure of said helium.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
186 words
An infrared laser according to claim 2 in which the containing means comprises a cylindrical tube containing a mixture of gases and having an inlet and outlet for said gases, said tube having an inside diameter of at least 3 inches and having reflective end members, one of said reflective end members being partially transmissive to permit the abstraction of radiation at about 10 microns; means for flowing said mixture continuously through said inlet and outlet; said mixture including carbon dioxide having a pressure between 0.2 and 0.4 Torr, nitrogen having a pressure between 1.0 and 1.5 Torr, and helium having a pressure between 3.0 and 10.0 Torr; a cooling jacket surrounding said tube and apparatus adapted to circulate a coolant through said jacket; and direct-current discharge apparatus comprising an anode disposed with a surface within said tube, an oxide-coated cathode disposed in the flow path of said gas mixture, and a direct-current voltage source connected between said anode and said cathode and having a voltage directly related to the partial pressure of helium in said tube, said apparatus including means for heating said oxide-coated cathode.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
An infrared laser according to claim 2 in which the carbon dioxide has a partial pressure between about 0.2 and 0.4 Torr, the nitrogen has a partial pressure between about 1.0 and 1.5 Torr, and the helium has a partial pressure between approximately 3.0 and 10.0 Torr.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A laser according to claim 6 in which the tube has lateral walls spaced at least 1 inch from every point of a central axis.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-07-09 | 1977-01-08 | 1977-07-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-09 | 1981-01-08 | 1981-07-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-09 | 1985-01-08 | 1985-07-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |