High power metal vapor laser

A metal vapor laser, and, in particular, a lead vapor laser having a main discharge tube mounted within a pair of electrode support collars. A discharge electrode is mounted at one end of the laser which is sealed by a conventional window and reflector assembly. One of a pair of recirculating wick structures is situated adjacent the discharge electrode and is supported by an elongated support collar outside of and adjacent an end of the main discharge tube. In addition, this wick structure is isolated from the support collar by a separate auxilliary tube. The auxiliary tube is situated in abutting relationship with the end of the discharge tube. This recirculating wick structure does not protrude into the main discharge tube and is kept separate therefrom. A metal foil thermal shield is isolated from the main discharge tube and electrode collar by insulating standoffs. Such an arrangement allows for a high output lead vapor laser in which discharge tube breakage is essentially nonexistant.