USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

Glidden J Barstow

Myer Geller

Daniel E Altman

An electronically controllable, wide angle of view, notch filter operates attenuate predeterminable narrow bandwidth wavelengths of light energy. An enclosure contains a selected material characterized by exhibiting strong quantum mechanical coupling between two determinable energy states of different levels above its ground energy state and also producing radiated emission within the desired narrow bandwidth wavelengths when externally excited to populate the upper of the two determinable energy states. Transparent windows at opposite ends complete the enclosure which is maintained at a desired temperature to vaporize the selected material. Two electrodes, oppositely positioned within the enclosure contiguous to its optical path, are connectable to a source of pulsed electrical energy to generate an electric discharge across the electrodes of sufficient strength to raise the vaporized selected material from its ground energy state to the lower of the two determinable higher energy states, causing selective absorption of predetermined narrow bandwidth wavelengths of light energy under the timed control of electrical actuation.

Electrically controllable wide angle of view optical notch filter

A high intensity source produces light energy output principally in the 3A to 4300A spectral region. An envelope of material substantially transparent to light energy within the desired spectral region is sealed to contain xenon gas in an amount sufficient to produce at least one atmosphere of pressure in its unheated state and also mercury in an amount sufficient to develop a vapor pressure of not less than one atmosphere when the envelope is heated to an operative temperature. Electrically conductive electrodes communicate with the interior of the sealed envelope forming a gap therebetween which becomes a conductive arc upon connection of external terminals of the electrodes to a source of pulsed electrical power. The sealed envelope and its contents are maintained at an operative temperature of the order of not less than approximately 500.degree. C, ensuring the vapor pressures required to produce the high intensity output within the desired spectral region.

Pulsed laser excitation source

An improved metal vapor laser tube is comprised of an enclosure, preferably n an elongate tubular form, containing an amount of a metallic element. The material of the enclosure is selecteed to be electrically non-conductive and also for its ability to withstand elevated temperatures of the order of 1000.degree. C. The enclosure has at least one window capable of transmitting energy at the wavelength of emission of the metallic element contained within it. Two electrodes, preferably in the form of cylinders, are disposed at opposite ends within the enclosure in coaxial alignment with the major axis of the enclosure. An extension from the major axis of the enclosure is disposed proximate to each electrode and an electrical conductor connected to each electrode is sealed within substantially the entire length of each extension. Each electrical conductor is characterized as being of a strip configuration and having a substantially elongate elliptical cross-section. A method of sealing the metallic conductor strip within a substantially tubular extension member comprises the steps of positioning the metallic strip within the hollow of the tubular member, then inserting a semi-cylindrical piece of fusible material into the hollow portion of the tubular member on each side of the metallic conductor strip, and finally simultaneously fusing the fusible material to both the metallic strip and the tubular member to form a unitary extension assembly.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Glidden J Barstow