An Improved Hibachi Support Structure for Electron-beam Diode Foils

Large KrF amplifiers use electron beams to excite the laser gas. By necessity, the diode and laser cavity must be isolated by a mechanical barrier; an electron beam diode operates in vacuum, while the laser cavity may be filled with amagats of gas. Isolation is typically accomplished by a metal foil of low mass density which is mechanically supported by a structure having multiple open slots separated by ribs to permit passage of the electron beam. The support structure is referred to as a hibachi by reason of similarity.