Metallic vapor laser assembly

Claim 1

A metallic vapor laser assembly comprising: an enclosed central section of circular tubing maintained at an elevated temperature sufficient to retain a selected metallic element in its vapor state and having a conical portion at each end; a hollow electrode positioned at each end of said enclosed central section in contact with the metallic vapor, and having a substantially spherically shaped end portion received in each said conical portion, said electrodes being connected to a source of electrical energy for generating an electrical discharge therebetween and raising said metallic vapor to a state of excitation causing laser energy emission; a conically shaped ring configured to be received between the conical portion at each end of said enclosed central section and the spherically shaped end portion of each electrode, and having a deformable annulus thereon for forming a pressuretight seal; first windows substantially transparent to said laser energy emission and supported in said electrodes for retaining said metallic vapor therebetween, said first windows being maintained substantially at said elevated temperatures; and second windows substantially transparent to said laser energy emission and positioned outwardly from said first windows along the axis of said laser energy emission and defining enclosed end sections contiguous to said enclosed central section, said second windows being maintained at a temperature substantially lower than said elevated temperature and said enclosed end sections being substantially evacuated.