Gas laser with coaxial gas resevoir

Abstract

A gas laser such as an argon or krypton laser has an annular gas reservoir surrounding a laser bore. A series of heat-dissipating fins are connected to the laser bore and extend between the exterior of the laser bore and the interior of the coaxial gas reservoir, arranged so as to allow air to pass over the fins as it travels lengthwise in the annular space between the bore and the gas reservoir. The gas reservoir, which communicates directly with the interior of the bore via one or more tubes, can be supported in position by the fins. The gas reservoir supplies additional makeup gas for the laser bore, as the gas in the bore is slowly consumed over the life of the laser, thereby prolonging the life of the laser without gas recharge. In addition to its storage function, the coaxial annular reservoir also serves to duct cooling air, drawn by a blower, directly over the exterior of the bore and over the cooling fins, greatly improving the cooling efficiency of the laser. The gas reservoir can also act as a thermally stable resonator body for the laser. The gas reservoir can also act as a gas return path for the gas moved by the pumping action of the lasing process in the bore.