Pulsed lasers operating by the atomic transitions of inert gases on pumping by a self-sustained transverse discharge

Abstract

This paper presents the results of experimental studies of lasing by the atomic transitions of inert gases in mixtures ofHe−NF3 (λ=706.5 nm),Ne−NF3 (585.3 nm), andAr−NF3 (750.4 nm). It has been shown that when an inert-gas-halide mixture is excited by a self-sustained discharge, the electronegative gas provides depopulation of the lower laser level and simultaneously increases the pumping efficiency. Based on investigations of the spontaneous emission and lasing, on measurements of the density and temperature of the gas-discharge plasma electrons, and on an analysis of the process rates, it is concluded that the processes of electron excitation play a dominant role in the population of the upper laser level.