RF conditioned dc discharges for excitation of rare gas halide lasers. Final report

Results of experiments performed utilizing high-power microwave sources for laser-discharge switching and preionization are reported. These results are not definitive, but are promising. Significant preionization using microwaves is possible. Some ability to switch the discharge and operate a laser have been demonstrated. More work needs to be performed to perfect the microwave coupling to the laser mixture. In particular, experiments with the microwaves better concentrated between the electrodes should be performed. The best way to accomplish this appears to be using the side-feed geometry; however, a large expansion of the microwaves should occur (to well below the power able to break down the window), and then a cylindrical lens should be used to focus the microwaves between the electrodes. 2 references