Pulsed chemical HF laser using graphite continuous electrodes for transverse discharge stabilization

Abstract

We report results obtained in the operation of a chemical HF laser using a mixture of SF6 and technical grade C3H8 reacting in a transverse high-voltage discharge in which a pair of inexpensive continuous electrodes of polycrystalline graphite are used as the only means for stabilizing the discharge and avoiding the formation of arcs during excitation of the laser medium. Energies of up to 60 mJ per pulse in stable operation are obtained from a 0.1-ℓ volume.