Patent ID: 6052402
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
An electrode assembly for a laser, said assembly comprising:a cathode sub-assembly comprising:a cathode plate having a longitudinal length, first and second cathode surfaces and a pair of longitudinal cathode edges extending along said length; andan anode sub-assembly comprising:an anode plate having a first anode surface opposing said first cathode surface and spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined height; andat least one conductive member in electrical connection with said anode plate, said at least one conductive member extending along at least a section of at least one of said longitudinal cathode edges and having an end portion, said end portion spaced apart from said at least one of said longitudinal cathode edges by a predetermined gap having a dimension substantially less than said predetermined height,said at least one conductive member and said predetermined gap being configured and dimensioned to permit formation of an electrical arc between said at least one longitudinal cathode edge and said end portion upon initial application of a voltage differential between said cathode and anode plates.