Segmented plasma excitation-recombination light source

A recombination laser comprising:

• a resonant laser cavity (150, 151) containing a laser medium and energy abstracting means adapted to permit egress of lasing radiation therefrom,
• excitation means (130) for producing said lasing radiation in said resonant laser cavity;
• said excitation means comprising at least two conductor strips (101-110) having at least one gap, which at least one gap provides at least one intervening discharge path;
• and means for applying an electrical signal to said at least two conductor strips;
• and
• a cell (125) for containing a background gas and in which said at least two strips are located;
• at least a portion of said at least two conductor strips being fabricated from a material which is converted into a plasma (141-149) as a result of the application of said electrical signal, which plasma cools and recombines to generate said lasing radiation (170).