Solid state copper vapor laser modulator

The theory of operation, design, and efficiency calculations, circuit trade-off, and construction recommendations for an advanced pulse generator to meet the drive requirements for a copper vapor laser are described. This circuit employs thyratrons as switches and is essentially a "capacitor discharge' with a peaking capacitor and inverse protection for the switches. The copper vapor laser represents a nonlinear load so that "matched operation' in the classical sense is very difficult. Nontheless, satisfactory operation of the laser is obtained using this circuit and the approach taken in this design and analysis will essentially be to replace the thyratrons with magnetic devices and add sufficient circuits to interface with solid state switches.