Patent ID: 6466599
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
An excimer or molecular fluorine laser, comprising:an electrode chamber connected with a gas flow vessel defining a laser tube having a laser gas mixture therein, the laser gas mixture at least including a halogen-containing species and a buffer gas; a pair of elongated main electrodes in the electrode chamber separated by a discharge area; a preionization unit in the electrode chamber for generating ultraviolet radiation to ionize the gas mixture prior to main electrode discharges; a discharge circuit for energizing the gas mixture; a resonator for generating a laser beam; and a spoiler comprising halogen corrosion-resistant ceramic and shaped to provide an uniform gas flow through the discharge area; and wherein the spoiler is positioned to inhibit dielectric breakdown between the preionization unit and at least one of the main electrodes while allowing the ultraviolet radiation generated by the preionization unit to propagate through to the discharge area and ionize the gas mixture therein.