THE OPTIMIZATION OF THE MULTI-ATMOSPHERIC AR-XE LASER

The quasi-steady-state conditions of the multi-atmospheric e-beam sust ained Ar-Xe laser are investigated. It is observed that the duration o f the stationary period depends on the e-beam current, discharge power deposition, and gas pressure. The laser efficiency can be as high as 8%, Beyond the stationary period the efficiency drops. The pulse energ y with optimum efficiency depends strongly on the gas pressure. The ma ximum discharge efficiency of 5%-6% is at high pressure not sensitive to the input power. The best results are obtained for 4 bar with a dis charge input power of 8 MW/l. The pulse duration with corresponding ou tput energies is 12 mu s with 10 J/l and 16 mu s with 16 J/l for e-bea m currents of 0.4 and 0.9 A/cm(2), respectively. An analysis of the qu asi-steady-state conditions that include the effects of electron colli sion mixing and atomic quenching is presented. The effects of output p ower saturation by the fractional ionization and atomic collisions are in agreement with the observations. The analysis clarifies the optimu m performance conditions.