Patent ID: 8526481

Claim:
A movable electrode assembly for use in a laser system, comprising: a first electrode having a first discharge surface; a second electrode having a second discharge surface, the second electrode being arranged opposite from the first electrode, the second discharge surface being spaced apart from the first discharge surface by an inter-electrode spacing having an initial spacing; an inter-electrode spacing mechanism interfaced with at least one of the second electrode or the first electrode, the inter-electrode spacing mechanism configured to adjust the inter-electrode spacing to the initial spacing; and an electrical shield disposed between the inter-electrode spacing mechanism and at least one of the second electrode and the first electrode, the inter-electrode spacing mechanism including: a camshaft in contact with a first surface of the at least one of the second electrode or the first electrode, the camshaft including at least one cam and an axis of rotation, the first surface being disposed opposite from the corresponding first discharge surface or second discharge surface of the least one of the second electrode or the first electrode; and an actuator coupled to the camshaft, the actuator configured to rotate the camshaft around the axis of rotation.