Patent ID: 6693944
Filing Date: 2004-02-17
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
A sputtering metal ion hollow cathode laser system, comprising:a hollow cathode having an inner surface that at least partially surrounds an opening; an anode spaced from the cathode; a hermetic envelope enclosing a buffer gas and the opening; a first mirror having a high reflective surface, wherein the high reflective surface is at least partially within the hermetic envelope; a second mirror having a partially transmitting surface, wherein the partially transmitting surface is at least partially within the hermetic envelope; an optical axis defined by the first mirror and second mirror and extending through the opening, the optical axis being fixed and maintained in position and alignment by the hermetic envelope; and a source of electric potential connected to the anode and the cathode for forming an electrical discharge between the anode and the cathode which gives rise to an optical gain medium within the opening, and wherein the optical gain medium comprises material sputtered from the cathode and wherein electrons in a fully developed discharge are dominated by secondary electrons emitted from the cathode.