Nonchain electric-discharge HF (DF) laser with a high radiation energy

It is shown that a self-sustained volume discharge is possible in mixtures of SF6 with hydrocarbons (or deuterated hydrocarbons) without special devices for the preionisation of the gas. This can be achieved with an extremely compact electrode system. Wide-aperture nonchain HF (DF) lasers with a high output radiation energy can be constructed on the basis 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 medium and an aperture of ∼15 cm. The electric efficiencies were 2.8% and 2.2%, respectively. (lasers and amplifiers)