Lasers in dense gases pumped by low-energy electron beams

The use of low-energy (approximate to 15 keV) electron beams for pumping la ser systems in dense gases with high specific power deposition is described . Thin (300 nm) SiNx ceramic foils used as entrance window in a transverse geometry for the electron beam allows pressure differentials of several atm ospheres with low percentage energy loss in transmission. The 1.73 mu m XeI (5d[3/2](1)-6p[5/2](2)) infrared laser was used for a first demonstration of this concept. The laser operated between 130 and 650 mbar. A threshold p umping power of 5.3 W and a maximum output power of 6 mW were observed. The system can be scaled to high pumping power (approximate to MW/cm(3)) and s hort wavelength. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-8979(99)065 19-6].