Laser action in the IR, UV and VUV in runaway electron preionized discharges

Abstract

Laser action in run-away electron preionized discharge (REP DD) was studied. Efficient laser emission was obtained in wide spectral range from IR to VUV. It was shown that ultimate efficiency of non-chain chemical lasers on HF (DF) molecules and N2 laser at 337.1 nm can be achieved in REP DD. New mode of N2 laser operation with 2 or 3 peaks in successive REP DD current oscillations was found. Efficient lasing on KrF* and XeF* excimer molecules with parameter close to laser parameters of lasers pumped by conventional transverse discharge were demonstrated for the first time. Laser action on F2* at 157 nm and rare gas fluorides under REP DD pumping was obtained for the first time, as well. The efficiency and pulse duration of VUV F2* laser under REP DD excitation are comparable with those obtained in transverse discharges with preionization. VUV emission of REP DD in binary and ternary Ar-Xe-(He) and Ar-Kr-(He) mixtures at wavelength close to 147 nm was measured. Possibility of VUV lasing in mixtures of rare gases is considered.