Extendable electrode for gas discharge laser

A movable electrode assembly for use in laser system includes a first electrode, a second electrode arranged opposite from the first electrode, the second electrode being spaced apart from the first electrode by a discharge gap and a discharge gap adjuster interfaced with at least one of the second electrode or the first electrode, the discharge gap adjuster configured to adjust the discharge gap. A movable electrode assembly for integration into a housing of a laser system includes a first electrode having a discharge surface, a second electrode having a discharge surface, such that the discharge surface of the first electrode and the discharge surface of the second electrode face each other in a spaced apart setting that defines a desired discharge gap, and a mechanism for moveably adjusting the spaced apart setting toward the desired discharge gap. A method of adjusting a discharge gap is also disclosed.