Ferranti Plc

Iain E Ross

The power supply includes an oscillator (20) which generates a radio-frequency signal amplified by an amplifier (21). The amplified signal is applied to a laser (22) to initiate and maintain a discharge in the laser gaseous active medium. Power control means (24) are provided operable after initiation of the discharge to adjust the power applied to the laser to the value required to operate the laser at maximum efficiency. Automatic gain control means (25) may be provided, responding to the output from a power meter (23).

Power supply for radio-frequency excited gas laser

A transversely-excited waveguide laser made up from the two blocks of electrically-insulating material. One block (1) has three parallel slots (3, 4 and 5) formed in one face, while the other block (2) forms a cover which may be secured to the first block to close the slots. The two outermost slots (4 and 5) each contain a layer (7) of electrically-conductive material to which an electrical conductor (8) is attached to form an electrode, while the dimensions of the center slot (3) are such as to enable it to form a laser cavity which will support waveguide laser action.

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Fife, United Kingdom

Iain E Ross