Gain and discharge characteristics of electron-beam switched KrF lasers

Abstract

Although small‐signal gain measurements of rare‐gas halide lasers were recently carried out only for direct electron‐beam‐pumped and self‐sustained‐discharge pumped lasers, there is not report on the gain measurement of the electron‐beam‐switched‐discharge KrF laser. Electron‐beam switched discharge pumped KrF lasers are studied to obtain detailed experimental data on the relationship between the discharge stability and the small‐signal gain coefficient g0. As a result, we obtained a high gain coefficient g0 in excess of 11%/cm and clarified the relationship between the discharge stability and the small‐signal gain coefficient. The electron‐beam‐switched‐discharge pumping which needs no gap switches in the discharge circuit is especially suitable for high‐rep.‐rated rare‐gas halide lasers.