Research in Laser Processes
Abstract
A model has been completed of the NaXe discharges examined experimentally under this contract. This model includes the effects of electron excitation, deexcitation and ionization of excited Na atoms, as well as electron loss processes such as dissociative recombination with Na2(+). By adopting apparently reasonable rate coefficients and reaction end products we are able to satisfactorily reproduce the measured steady-state densities of excited Na atoms. However, a serious and unexplained discrepancy is found in the energy balance for these discharges. By extrapolating these results to high Na densities we find what appears to be a region of sufficient optical gain at 700 nm for laser oscillation. Such a laser would require a short excitation pulse (approx. 100 ns) and would have a low discharge impedance. A new technique has been developed for the measurement of electron excitation rate coefficients for the metastable states of the rare gases. A multipass absorption cell and a single mode dye laser allow measurement of metastable densities as low as 1,000, 000 atom/cc.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA083427
Entities
People
- A. C. Gallagher
- Arthur V. Phelps
Organizations
- JILA