A CW high specific output power Ar-He-Xe laser with transverse RF excitation

Yu.B. Udalov, P.J.M. Peters, M.B. Heeman-Ilieva, W.J. Witteman, V.N. Ochkin

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Abstract

A transverse RF excited gas discharge has been successfully used to produce a CW Ar-He-Xe laser. A maximum output power of 330 mW has been obtained from an experimental device with 37 cm active length and a 2.25 (DOT) 2.25 cm2 cross-section. This corresponds to a specific output power of about 175 mW/cm3. Under these preliminary optimum conditions the gas pressure was 85 Torr (Ar:He:Xeequals59:40:1). The laser output spectrum consisted of 5 atomic xenon lines (2.03, 2.63, 2.65, 3.37 and 3.51 micrometers ). The 2.03 micrometers and 2.65 micrometers lines were the strongest ones. Complementary to this device a quartz capillary was tested as laser tube for the atomic Xe laser. With this configuration it was possible to sustain a longitudinal DC as well as a transversal RF discharge in the laser gas mixture. Combined excitation was also possible for this device. This enabled us to compare the laser performance in both the DC and the RF mode in the same device. Preliminary measurements showed us that the highest output power in the DC mode was less than 1 mW, while the RF excited laser yielded about 130 mW. The gain coefficient was found to be extremely high. Laser generation was obtained for a wide range of reflectivities R of the outcoupling mirror. At the minimum reflectivity of 5% an output power of 20 mW was obtained. Results obtained from both systems are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGas, metal vapor, and free-electron lasers and applications
PublisherSPIE
Pages238-245
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)0-8194-1411-5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Jan 1994
EventSPIE International Conference on Gas, Metal Vapor, and Free-Electron Lasers and Applications, OA/LASE 1994 - Los Angeles, United States
Duration: 25 Jan 199426 Jan 1994

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE
PublisherSPIE
Volume2118
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceSPIE International Conference on Gas, Metal Vapor, and Free-Electron Lasers and Applications, OA/LASE 1994
Abbreviated titleOA/LASE
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLos Angeles
Period25/01/9426/01/94

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