Lasers pumped by a self-sustained discharge

This paper systematizes the information on lasers pumped by a self-sustaine d discharge, giving much attention to dense-gas lasers using the preionizat ion of the working medium. Excitation with a self-sustained discharge is cu rrently the most widespread method for pumping high-power pulsed gas lasers , which is applicable to dense-gas lasers, as well as few-pressure lasers, including continuous-wave lasers. Gas lasers pumped by a self-sustained dis charge are capable of generating stimulated emission within a broad spectra l range from the vacuum-ultraviolet to the far-infrared region. Now, after 35 years of studies, the main processes occurring in the active media of su ch lasers are well understood, and laboratory and commercial lasers with di fferent parameters are created. The latter achievement has stimulated exten sive applications of gas lasers pumped by a self-sustained discharge in dif ferent areas of science and technology.