Cu-vapor laser with zinc-atom additive

Abstract

The influence of Zn-atom additive on ‘pure’ copper vapor laser output characteristics is studied. The laser pulse width, energy and power are found to increase under the diffusion of zinc atoms from a zinc-containing reservoir into the discharge of the copper-vapor laser at temperatures above 500°C. Additional absorption experiments and calculations are consistent with the conclusion that not only optical resonant pumping by the 213.9-nm Zn I line, but also other processes, should be taken into account to explain the effects of additive influence.