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US4336506A
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US
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Segmented plasma excitation-recombination laser
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1979-10-05
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Granted: 1982-06-22
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Expires: 1999-10-05
Abstract
Abstract A high-voltage, high current pulse is applied to a series of two or more conducting strips (101-110) installed in series in a laser cavity (150-151) containing either a buffer gas or a vacuum. The strips are separated by small gaps. When the high-voltage, high-current pulse is applied to the strips, plasmas (141-149) are formed in the gap regions. The plasmas are comprised of ions from the strip material. Once formed, these plasmas expand hemispherically, cool and recombine to provide laser action. The composition of the plasmas depends on the strip material, the electric field in the gaps, the gap size and the background gas type and pressure.
Inventors
- 👤 William T. Silfvast
- 👤 Leo H. Szeto
- 👤 II Obert R. Wood
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 08:28
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/02; H01S3/03; H01S3/031; H01S3/09; H01S3/097
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
A recombination laser comprising: a resonant laser cavity (150, 151) containing a laser medium and energy abstracting means; excitation means (130) for producing said laser medium in said resonant laser cavity; characterized in that said excitation means comprises at least two conductor strips (101-110) having at least one gap, which at least one gap provides at least one intervening discharge path; and means for applying a high-voltage, high-current pulse to said at least two conductor strips; said at least two conductor strips are fabricated from a material which is converted into a plasma as a result of the application of said high-voltage, high-current pulse, which plasma cools and recombines to form said laser medium.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
A recombination laser comprising: a resonant laser cavity (150, 151) containing a laser medium and energy abstracting means; excitation means (130) for producing said laser medium in said resonant laser cavity; characterized in that said excitation means comprises at least two conductor strips (101-110) having at least one gap, which at least one gap provides at least one intervening discharge path; and means for applying a high-voltage, high-current pulse to said at least two conductor strips; said at least two conductor strips are fabricated from a material which is converted into a plasma as a result of the application of said high-voltage, high-current pulse, which plasma cools and recombines to form said laser medium.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The recombination laser as defined in claim 1 which further includes a background buffer gas.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The recombination laser as defined in claim 2 wherein said background buffer gas is helium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The recombination laser as defined in claim 3 wherein said conductor strips comprises silver.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The recombination laser as defined in claim 3 wherein said conductor strips comprises cadmium.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The recombination laser as defined in claim 3 wherein said conductor strips comprises carbon.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The recombination laser as defined in claim 3 wherein said conductor strips comprises indium.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The recombination laser as defined in claim 3 wherein said conductor strips comprises magnesium.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The recombination laser as defined in claim 3 wherein said conductor strips comprises lead.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The recombination laser as defined in claim 3 wherein said conductor strips comprises tin.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The recombination laser as defined in claim 3 wherein said conductor strips comprises zinc.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-06-21 | 1985-12-21 | 1986-06-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-06-21 | 1989-12-21 | 1990-06-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-06-21 | 1993-12-21 | 1994-06-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |