Discharge tube with dismountable electrode

Claim 1

A laser discharge tube comprising: an enclosure including inner and outer concentric tubes defining coaxial first and second passages, said outer tube extending beyond said inner tube at both ends and closed at said ends by optical elements to define therewith an optical resonant cavity, a first tubular metal electrode positioned concentrically between said tubes and in partial telescoping position with respect to said inner tube at one end thereof, a second electrode positioned adjacent the other end of said inner tube and within said outer tube and acting with said first electrode to effect an electrical discharge therebetween and generate a laser beam, said discharge and said laser beam passing through said first and second passages, and support means having a rigid end portion passing through said outer tube wall and having a first end portion within said enclosure bearing elastically against said first tubular electrode to effect an electrical connection therewith and to permit removal of said first tubular electrode and replacement during repair of said laser discharge tube.