Waveguide Gas Lasers

Abstract

The objectives of this program are to study (both analytically and experimentally) gas laser systems which might operate advantageously in a waveguide configuration. In this analysis phase the authors examined the scaling of known gas discharge laser systems with diameter. Interest was in studying performance characteristics which might be improved in small bore discharges. Three systems were identified as being particularly promising: the HF electrical laser, the xenon excimer laser, and the argon-nitrogen transfer laser. In the case of the HF electrical laser, the particular advantage of small bore discharge operation is the control of E/P and the minimizing of discharge nonuniformity and instabilities. Pulsed discharges were operated in HF-argon mixtures at conditions which duplicate those used in successful laser experiments using electron beam stabilized discharges. Analysis of the xenon excimer laser and the argon-nitrogen transfer laser indicates that the high specific pump power required could be produced in small bore discharges.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1974
Accession Number
ADA006410

Entities

People

  • Marvin B. Klein

Organizations

  • HRL Laboratories

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Current Density
  • Discharge Tubes
  • Energy Levels
  • Gas Discharges
  • Gas Heating
  • Gas Lasers
  • Glow Discharges
  • Hydrogen Fluoride Lasers
  • Laser Resonators
  • Light (Electromagnetic Radiation)
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Nitrogen Lasers
  • Resonators
  • Spectra
  • Steady State
  • Thermal Conductivity

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Directed Energy - Lasers
  • Microelectronics