Patent ID: 6839372
Filing Date: 2005-01-04
Classification: G03F,H01S

Abstract:
1. A high repetition rate gas discharge laser, defining one or more laser beam paths, capable of operation at repetition rates in excess of 2000 pulses per second, said laser comprising: A. a discharge chamber containing B. a pulse power system for applying electrical pulses sufficient to produce laser pulses at pulse repetition rates in excess of 2000 pulses per second C. optical components disposed along said one or more laser beam paths for directing monitoring and controlling laser beams produced by said laser D. a beam enclosure system for enclosing at least portions of said one or more laser beam paths to produce one or more enclosed laser beam paths, said beam enclosure system comprising a first sealed portion containing a controlled concentration of an oxidizer E. a purge system for purging with a purge gas at least one portion of said one or more enclosed laser beam paths.