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Long pulse gas lasers utilizing double-discharge circuits are different from the single-short pulse gas lasers in that they do not require all of the desired energy to be deposited into the peaking capacitors prior to ignition of the main gap. Instead, the majority of the energy is held in another capacitor that is then discharged in the form of a longer duration discharge pulse output compared with that of single-short pulse lasers. Extended stability of the discharge is typically achieved by igniting the main gap discharge at higher ignition voltages. Several double-discharge circuit topologies exist in the literature. However, each topology has its own disadvantages primarily centered around the components needed and the resulting complexity. In this article we introduce the application of the new hybrid circuit pulsed power topology as a double-discharge circuit with high ignition voltages. The hybrid circuit pulsed power topology was originally published by the authors of this article in their previous publication titled “A New Hybrid Pulsed Power Circuit Topology for Gas Laser Applications.” The advantage of the hybrid circuit as a double-discharge circuit is that it does not require any special device [e.g., semiconductor opening switch (SOS) diode] and can use commonly available components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major decision surrounding the design of pulsed power circuits for gas lasers is the choice between a thyratron and solid-state switches. The thyratron is a mature device technology whose cost is increasing. The ratings of solid-state switches still do not match those of a thyratron. Pulse transformer and pulse compression circuits must be added to overcome the lower ratings of solid-state switches leading to a higher parts count and cost. This article proposes a new solid-state pulse power topology called the hybrid circuit topology to address the parts count and cost issue. The hybrid circuit makes use of a combination of capacitive and inductive energy storage to reduce the time required to transfer the energy from the transformer primary to the secondary side. This ultimately reduces the quantity of magnetic material used in the pulse compression circuit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]