Abstract
Studies are reported of stable glow discharges in high-pressure Hg vapors (?2 amagats) produced by a 20-nsec ionizing electron beam pulse. The discharges were very stable and operated for 4–5 μsec after the e-beam initiating pulse at E/N values up to 8×10−17 V cm2 and discharge current densities of 4 A/cm2. Power loadings of 3–6 kW/cm3 were typically obtained. An electron recombination coefficient of 7.4×10−9 cm3 sec−1 was measured. Strong continuum radiation from both the visible (4900 Å) and UV (3350 Å) bands of molecular Hg were observed. Absorption measurements from 4000 to 6764 Å are presented. No gain in this spectral region was ever detected. A peak absorption cross section at 4800 Å was estimated to be 2×10−16 cm2. The implication of this absorption on other potential laser systems employing Hg as a buffer gas are discussed.
Published Version
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