Patent ID: 6134256
Filing Date: 2000-10-17
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
A method for enhancing the performance of an RF excited gas laser, the laser having a discharge region characterized by a generally curvilinear orthogonal cross-section with an average longer dimension and an average shorter dimension, the shorter dimension being measured between non-conductive sidewalls and being sufficiently small to ensure a rate of heat transfer from the discharge region to the sidewalls to ensure maintenance of a stable discharge, the longer dimension of the discharge region cross-section being measured between electrodes of different polarity, the laser being excited by establishment of an RF field in the discharge region through connection of an RF power source between at least a first high voltage electrode and at least a first grounded electrode, the RF field ionizing a lasing gas confined in the discharge region to create a plasma discharge and the non-conductive sidewalls guiding generated coherent light, the improvement comprising:shaping the RF field established in the discharge region by placing a ceramic insert between said first high voltage electrode and the discharge region.