Enhancement of photoelectron density in TEA lasers using additives

The photoplasma produced in laser gases by a spark uv source is measured using a microwave bridge. The results show that an increase in plasma density of four orders of magnitude is obtained using trace amounts of low-ionization-threshold additives in the gas mix. The technique has been shown to enhance laser performance. An output energy density of 60 J/liter has been obtained from such a photoionized TEA laser.