The dirt spike generation and measurement from a clean metal vapor laser

A method for the generation of dirt spikes from a clean metal vapor laser is described. This method which facilitates the study of this phenomenon in a laser system, allows the magnitude of the spikes to be controlled easily and accurately over a wide range. Analysis of these artificially generated spikes shows that the breakdown time of the laser tube is increased when the spikes appear. The results indicate that the effects caused by contamination of the tube are similar to those caused by unsatisfactory preionization of the tube. They can be used in an actual laser system to monitor the appearance of dirt spikes and thus to avoid the danger of thyratron failure