Abstract

The HgBr₂ electric discharge laser operates on the B–X transition (502 nm) of HgBr. With x-ray preionization, the device has produced single-pulse laser energy in excess of 2.5 J at 2% electrical efficiency. We have developed a time and spatially dependent computer model to describe the transverse electric discharge HgBr laser. This model explicitly calculates time-dependent kinetic, discharge, and laser properties as a function of position in the dimension perpendicular to the optical axis and parallel to the electrode faces. These time and spatially dependent parameters are coupled to a detailed circuit model. Using this method, the effects on laser energy of preionization electron density distribution, electrode shapes and spacing, and discharge constriction can be investigated.

© 1984 Optical Society of America