US4247830A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Plasma sprayed wicks for pulsed metal vapor lasers
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
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Filing: 1978-11-08
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Granted: 1981-01-27
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Expires: 1998-11-08
Abstract
Abstract Improved wicks for recirculating condensed vapor back to the discharge zone of a metal vapor laser are disclosed. The wicks are generally tabular in configuration and may be formed of sintered metal or of a metal substrate with a porous plasma sprayed layer thereon. Compatible wick metals are taught for use with different active vaporized metals.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas W. Karras
- 👤 Carl E. Anderson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 13:43
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/02; H01S3/03; H01S3/031
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
65 words
In a metal vapor laser having a central discharge zone defined by a longitudinally extending, non-electrically conducting wall with an electrode at each end, the improvement comprising: a longitudinally extending wick element at each end of said discharge zone; and each of said wick elements configured to have its outer surface in contact with said wall and having at least a porous inner surface layer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
65 words
In a metal vapor laser having a central discharge zone defined by a longitudinally extending, non-electrically conducting wall with an electrode at each end, the improvement comprising: a longitudinally extending wick element at each end of said discharge zone; and each of said wick elements configured to have its outer surface in contact with said wall and having at least a porous inner surface layer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A metal vapor laser in accordance with claim 1 wherein: each of said wick elements has a porous plasma sprayed layer on a substrate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
In a metal vapor laser having a central discharge zone with an electrode at each end, an improved wick at each end of the discharge zone for recirculating condensed vapor to the discharge zone comprising: a metal tube having at least a porous surface layer thereon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
In a metal vapor laser having a central discharge zone with an electrode at each end, an improved wick at each end of the discharge zone for recirculating condensed vapor to the discharge zone comprising: a metal tube having at least a porous surface layer thereon.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
A metal vapor laser in accordance with claim 3 wherein: said porous surface layer is plasma sprayed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
61 words
In a metal vapor laser having a central discharge zone with an electrode at each end, an improved wick at each end of the discharge zone for recirculating condensed vapor to the discharge zone comprising: a substrate from the group consisting of: nichrome nickel and stainless steel; and a porous plasma sprayed layer of nickel or stainless steel on said substrate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
61 words
In a metal vapor laser having a central discharge zone with an electrode at each end, an improved wick at each end of the discharge zone for recirculating condensed vapor to the discharge zone comprising: a substrate from the group consisting of: nichrome nickel and stainless steel; and a porous plasma sprayed layer of nickel or stainless steel on said substrate.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
70 words
In a metal vapor laser having a central discharge zone with an electrode at each end, an improved wick at each end of the discharge zone for recirculating condensed vapor to the discharge zone comprising: a substrate from the group consisting of: tungsten, molybdenum, and tantalum; and a porous plasma sprayed layer on said substrate, said layer from the group consisting of: tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten carbide, and tantalum carbide.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
70 words
In a metal vapor laser having a central discharge zone with an electrode at each end, an improved wick at each end of the discharge zone for recirculating condensed vapor to the discharge zone comprising: a substrate from the group consisting of: tungsten, molybdenum, and tantalum; and a porous plasma sprayed layer on said substrate, said layer from the group consisting of: tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten carbide, and tantalum carbide.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
52 words
In a lead or bismuth vapor laser having a central discharge zone with an electrode at each end, an improved wick at each end of the discharge zone for recirculating condensed vapor to the discharge zone comprising: a sintered tube of a metal from the group consisting of: stainless steel and nickel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
52 words
In a lead or bismuth vapor laser having a central discharge zone with an electrode at each end, an improved wick at each end of the discharge zone for recirculating condensed vapor to the discharge zone comprising: a sintered tube of a metal from the group consisting of: stainless steel and nickel.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
56 words
In a copper or gold vapor laser having a central discharge zone with an electrode at each end, an improved wick at each end of the discharge zone for recirculating condensed vapor to the discharge zone comprising: a sintered tube of a metal from the group consisting of: tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten carbide, and tantalum carbide.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
56 words
In a copper or gold vapor laser having a central discharge zone with an electrode at each end, an improved wick at each end of the discharge zone for recirculating condensed vapor to the discharge zone comprising: a sintered tube of a metal from the group consisting of: tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten carbide, and tantalum carbide.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3654567A
Cited
US3863178A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-01-27 | 1984-07-28 | 1985-01-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-01-27 | 1988-07-28 | 1989-01-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-01-27 | 1992-07-28 | 1993-01-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |