Abstract A metal vapor laser tube is comprised of an enclosure preferably in an elongate tubular form containing an amount of a metallic element. The material of the enclosure is selected to be electrically non-conductive and also for its ability to withstand elevated temperatures. The enclosure also has at least one window capable of transmitting energy at the wavelength of emission of the metallic element contained within the enclosure. Two electrodes, preferably in the form of cylinders, are oppositely disposed within the enclosure and an electrical conductor is connected to each electrode for external connection to a source of electrical energy. An extension of the enclosure is provided proximate to each electrode for containing the respective electrical conductors within a hollow capillary portion of the extension and also including an end portion of the extension which is sealed around the terminal of the electrical conductor to render it pressure-tight. The tube may be fabricated of quartz and the end portions of the extensions may comprise glass sealed to the quartz of the extensions which include the hollow capillary portion and also sealed around the terminal of each respective electrical conductor.
A metal vapor laser tube comprising: an enclosure containing an amount of a metallic element, said enclosure being of an electrically non-conductive material selected for its ability to withstand elevated temperatures and having at least one window capable of transmitting energy at the wavelength of laser emission of said metallic element, two electrodes oppositely disposed within said enclosure; an electrical conductor connected to each electrode for external connection to a source of electrical energy; an extension from said enclosure proximate to each electrode; a hollow capillary portion in each said extension adjacent said enclosure for receiving said electrical conductor in spaced disposition from the inner capillary walls, each said hollow capillary portion being dimensioned to prevent significant migration of metallic vapor therein; and, an end portion of each said extension sealed around the terminal of said electrical conductor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
A metal vapor laser tube comprising: an enclosure containing an amount of a metallic element, said enclosure being of an electrically non-conductive material selected for its ability to withstand elevated temperatures and having at least one window capable of transmitting energy at the wavelength of laser emission of said metallic element, two electrodes oppositely disposed within said enclosure; an electrical conductor connected to each electrode for external connection to a source of electrical energy; an extension from said enclosure proximate to each electrode; a hollow capillary portion in each said extension adjacent said enclosure for receiving said electrical conductor in spaced disposition from the inner capillary walls, each said hollow capillary portion being dimensioned to prevent significant migration of metallic vapor therein; and, an end portion of each said extension sealed around the terminal of said electrical conductor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A metal vapor laser tube as claimed in claim 1 wherein said enclosure is fabricated of quartz.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A metal vapor laser tube as claimed in claim 1 wherein said enclosure is tubular in shape.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A metal vapor laser tube as claimed in claim 3 and including an optically flat window sealed to each end of said enclosure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
A metal vapor laser tube as claimed in claim 4 wherein said electrodes are cylindrically shaped and axially aligned with the central axis of the tubular configuration of said enclosure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
A metal vapor laser tube as claimed in claim 1 wherein said extensions containing said hollow capillary portions are quartz and said end portions are glass sealed to said quartz and around the terminals of said electrical conductors.