Electronic State Lasers by Stabilized Electric Discharges.
Abstract
This report describes studies aimed at achieving long pulse laser emission in the near infrared, visible or ultraviolet region using electron-beam-stabilized electric discharge excitation of molecular electronic states. A model for long pulse visible laser emission from electronically excited states is described which involves rapid collisional quenching of the vibrational energy of the electronic states. The production and quenching of specific vibrational levels of excited electronic states of N2 and CO molecules have been studied by observing the fluorescence from gas mixtures excited by an electric discharge. The excitation efficiency for the N2(A 3 Sigma(+) sub u) state was determined by absolute population measurements of the v = O and v = 1 vibrational levels using a nitrogen (B yields A) probe laser technique. The measured decay rate of the N2(A 3 Sigma(+) sub u) state by self-collisions was 3 x 10 to the -9th power cu.cm./molecule-sec. Laser cavity tests were carried out for both N2 and CO gas mixtures for a variety of conditions. Short pulse laser action was observed in the N2 first positive system at 1.05 and 0.888 micrometers using e-beam-stabilized electric discharge excitation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA072043
Entities
People
- Charles H. Fisher
- Stanley R. Byron