Small, High Repetition-Rate HF and DF Lasers
Abstract
Measurements are presented of the multiline spectral output, output power as a function of pulse-repetition rate, and V-I (voltage-current) characteristics of small pulsed hydrogen fluoride (HF) and deuterium fluoride (DF) lasers that have been operated at repetition rates up to 1 kHz. Results indicate that observed reductions in output power at high repetition rates are due to an insufficient gas flow that (1) allows the ground state population to build up, (2) reduces population inversion between the first vibrational state and the ground state, and (3) introduces discharge instabilities that severely limit the pulse-rate capabilities. Average powers are reported to vary linearly with pulse-repetition rate up to 400 Hz, with typical pulse energies of 10 and 4 mJ for small HF and DF lasers respectively with discharge lengths of only 10 cm. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA040993
Entities
People
- Colin S. Willett
- Walter A. Riessler
Organizations
- Harry Diamond Laboratories