Abstract

We have recently constructed efficient miniature rare-gas halide lasers stabilized by an array of inductors in series with the discharge volume. This device delivers 6.8 mJ/pulse in KrF with two cubic centimeters total discharge volume, an optical cavity length of only 33 cm, and an intrinsic efficiency of better than 1%. The inductively stabilized discharge allows total lasing times with only a 2.5-mm electrode separation of >120 nsec. The ringing resulting from the impedance mismatch between the laser discharge and the capacitor bank determines total lasing time. The better the impedance matching, which depends on the total gas pressure and the different percentages of the gas mixture constituents, the shorter are the lasing times observed. We have obtained long-pulse operation in XeCl and XeF as well at approximately half of the KrF efficiency. Lasing up to a 70-Hz pulse repetition rate (limit of our pulser) without gas flow is achieved but with noticeable thermal distortions. Depending on the total filling pressure undistorted lasing between 20 Hz (45-psia pressure) and 30 Hz (35-psia pressure) is observed. This represents over an order of magnitude improvement in pulse repetition rate without gas flow.

© 1983 Optical Society of America