Adjustable flow guide to accommodate electrode erosion in a gas discharge laser

A laser comprising:

• a first discharge electrode;
• a second discharge electrode spaced from said first electrode and having an initial height, H, to establish an initial gap therebetween;
• a laserable gas;
• a circulation system flowing said gas into said gap;
• a voltage source connected to said electrodes for creating discharges in said gap, said discharges eroding said electrode to a height, h, with h<H;
• a flow guide system reconfigurable between a first configuration wherein said system directs said gas into said gap with said electrode at said height, H, and a second configuration wherein said system directs said gas into said gap with said electrode at said height, h.

A method for operating a laser, said method comprising the acts of:

• providing a first discharge electrode;
• positioning a second discharge electrode having an initial height, H, at a space from said first electrode to establish an initial gap therebetween;
• activating a circulation system to flow a laserable gas into said gap;
• establishing a series of voltage differentials across said electrodes to create a series of discharges in said gap, said discharges eroding said second discharge electrode to a height, h, with h<H;
• and
• reconfiguring a flow guide system from a first configuration wherein said system directs said gas into said gap with said electrode at said height, H, to a second configuration wherein said system directs said gas into said gap with said electrode at said height, h.

A laser comprising:

• a first discharge electrode;
• a second discharge electrode spaced from said first electrode and having an initial height, H, to establish an initial gap therebetween;
• a laserable gas;
• a voltage source connected to said electrodes for creating an electric field to create discharges in said gap, said discharges eroding said electrode to a height, h, with h<H;
• and
• a field shaping element moveable from a first position for shaping said electric field with said electrode at said height, H, and a second position for shaping said electric field with said electrode at said height, h.