HeNe Parallel Plate Laser Development

A parallel plate format is used for fabricating “hard” sealed HeNe lasers. The new packaging geometry and construction process are suitable for large scale manufacturing. Cut plate, molded plate, and folded beam lasers have been built and tested. Several changes from conventional lasers, such as evaporated film cathode and anode, square cross section bore, glass sealed Brewster windows, and “soft” glass bore materials, are discussed. The power output capability, measurements of gain and loss parameters, and the reliability of these lasers are also considered.