Multilayer electrode assembly

A laser system comprising:

• a power source;
• a drive electrode configured in electrical communication with the power source;
• a dielectric tube having an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the dielectric tube is shaped so as to form a channel defined by the interior surface;
• a mirror mount positioned at an end of the dielectric tube;
• and
• a layered structure comprising:
• a first metal layer disposed adjacent to a first portion of the exterior surface of the dielectric tube;
• and
• a second metal layer disposed adjacent to a second portion of the exterior surface of the dielectric tube, wherein the first metal layer is disposed in a first spaced relationship with the second metal layer in the layered structure;
• wherein an electric field with a uniformity of greater than 85% is generated in the channel of the dielectric tube when a voltage is applied to the drive electrode by the power source.

A method of generating an electric field, comprising:

• applying a voltage to a drive electrode of a multilayer electrode assembly, wherein the multilayer electrode assembly comprises:
• a first dielectric material having an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the first dielectric material is shaped so as to form a channel defined by the interior surface;
• and
• a layered structure comprising:
• a first metal layer disposed adjacent to a first portion of the exterior surface of the first dielectric material;
• a second metal layer disposed adjacent to a second portion of the exterior surface of the first dielectric material, wherein the first metal layer is disposed in a first spaced relationship with the second metal layer in the layered structure;
• and
• a third metal layer disposed adjacent to a third portion of the exterior surface of the first dielectric material, wherein the third metal layer is disposed in a second spaced relationship with the second metal layer in the layered structure, wherein the voltage is effective to produce a first capacitance between the first metal layer and the second metal layer and a second capacitance between the second metal layer and the third metal layer.