NONCHAIN ELECTRIC-DISCHARGE HF (DF) LASER WITH A HIGH RADIATION ENERGY

It is shown that a self-sustained volume discharge is possible in mixt ures of SF6 with hydrocarbons (or deuterated carbons) without special devices for the preionisation of the gas. This can be achieved with an extremely compact electrode system. Wide-aperture nonchain HF (DF) la sers with a high output radiation energy can be constructed on the bas is of the discharge. It is reported that output energies of 144 J for HF and 115 J for DF were achieved in a system with a 21-litre active m edium and an aperture of similar to 15 cm. The electric efficiencies w ere 2.8% and 2.2%, respectively.