METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING LASER BEAM Russian patent published in 2005 - IPC

FIELD: pulse-periodic lasers pumped with self-maintained spatial discharge.

SUBSTANCE: proposed method used for producing beam from pulse-periodic laser pumped with self-maintained spatial discharge with XeXl, KrF, CO₂, and HF base active means includes formation of at least one electrode of a number of plasma generations near effective surface with self-maintained spatial discharge producing repetitive plasma structure and generation of laser beam. Plasma generations are formed in any plane perpendicular to optical axis of laser near effective surface of at least one of electrodes, its size being smaller than maximal size of plasma generation at one repetition period of plasma structure and smaller than or equal to size of laser radiation beam produced in same plane near effective surface of mentioned electrode. Device implementing this method has at least two opposing electrodes connected to common buses of pumping source and optical cavity; at least one of electrodes is made of repetitive parts each having its respective effective surface. Repetitive electrode parts are installed either in planes parallel to optical axis of laser or in those disposed at acute angle to this axis, or in cylindrical surfaces with generating lines perpendicular to optical axis of laser and guides of these surfaces in the form of curves or broken lines. Such design ensures desired energy distribution for various processes.

EFFECT: minimized divergence of laser beam, enhanced repetition rate of laser pulses in different ranges of laser beam spectrum, reduced power requirement for pumping laser mixture.

19 cl, 17 dwg