THERMAL-EXPANSION TOLERANT, PREIONIZER ELECTRODE FOR A GAS DISCHARGE LASER

A corona-discharge type, preionizer assembly for a gas discharge laser is disclosed. The assembly may include an electrode and a hollow, dielectric tube that defines a tube bore. In one aspect, the electrode may include a first elongated conductive member having a first end disposed in the bore of the tube. In addition, the electrode may include a second elongated conductive member having a first end disposed in the bore and spaced from the first end of the first conductive member. For the assembly, the first and second conductive members may be held at a same voltage potential.