Efficient cathode assembly for metal vapor laser

Abstract From the Canadian patent

An improved negative glow discharge hollow cathode device for generating laser radiation. The device comprises a hollow cathode assembly substantially surrounded by an anode envelope having a body section and a pair of end sections, each of the end sections terminating in a radiation transmission member. The metal laser medium is enclosed in the vicinity of the perforations in the cathode such that the metal vapor can be readily introduced into the cathode central region effectively and efficiently. The anode to cathode discharge paths is reduced by the use of an anode screen such that the glow discharge is directed into the cathode central region with a controlled discharge gap for optimum …