Electrode systems for gas discharge devices particularly gas lasers

An electrode system is described in which a uniform discharge between a pair of main electrodes is initiated by one or a plurality of auxiliary discharges originating from one or more auxiliary electrodes outside the line of centers of the main electrodes. The auxiliary electrodes are arranged to provide a field concentration in their vicinity. Particularly suitable for use as auxiliary electrodes are wires, rows of pins, and sharp metallic edges. (U.S.)