Optimization of the excitation conditions of a transverse rf discharge He–Cd laser

Abstract

An investigation was made of the dependence of the output characteristics of an He–Cd laser, excited by a transverse rf discharge, on the power fed into the discharge, buffer gas pressure, and cadmium vapor pressure. For the first time with lasers of this type, saturation of the output power was achieved on the lines 441.6, 533.7, and 537.8 nm, and the optimal excitation conditions were found. Experiments with tubes of different excitation conditions were found. Experiments with tubes of different diameters enabled scaling laws to be established for the output characteristics and excitation conditions. A record power of 1.5 mW was obtained at 441.6 nm from 1 cm of the active length.