Axial flow gas laser particularly high-power co.sub.2 laser with dc

Abstract

In an axial flow gas laser, in particular a high-power CO.sub.2 laser with DC excitation, at least one discharge tube (1) of dielectric material, in particular quartz glass, is provided. First and second connection bodies (E1, E2) are sealingly connected to the discharge tube (1) or to connection necks branching off from it, in each case in the vicinity of an electrical and laser gas connection point, forming a connection chamber (K1, K2), and are connected to laser gas inlet lines (4) or outlet lines (9). The first connection body (E1) is connected to the anode potential and the second connection body (E2) to the cathode potential of a direct voltage source. The first and second connection bodies (E1, E2) are disposed with tubular axial spacing from one another, so that the discharge tube (1), with its gas chamber, forms a discharge path between the anode and cathode potentials. In accordance with the invention, the discharge tube (1) is provided over an axial portion of its jacket, which is located inside the connection chamber (K1) of the first connection body (E1), with at least one gas inflow opening (2). An electrode pin (6) the tip (6a) of which extends up to a point shortly before or in the wall region of the gas inflow opening (2) is inserted into the wall of the first connection body (E1).