HIGH-VOLTAGE HOLLOW-CATHODE DISCHARGES - LASER APPLICATIONS AND SIMULATIONS OF ELECTRON MOTION

This paper reviews the application of high voltage hollow cathode disc harges as pumping sources of cathode sputtered lasers. Special attenti on is devoted to the segmented hollow cathode (SHC) electrode arrangem ent, which proves to be the best pumping source for metal ion lasers. The increased voltage, together with the special electrode geometry, w hich focuses the fast electrons and makes their oscillation possible b etween the opposing cathode surfaces, results in a proper excitation f or efficient laser operation. Using the segmented hollow cathode disch arge, increased gain, better efficiency, and lower threshold current w ere obtained, compared to the earlier discharge constructions. The hig h gain offers possibilities for continuous VUV laser operation as well . The properties of the segmented hollow cathode discharge have also b een investigated by Monte Carlo simulation motion of fast electrons in the discharge.