Abstract

Experimental results of the investigation of the laser action on atomic transitions in inert gases mixtures He-NF₃, at λ = 706.5 nm, Ne-NF₃ at λ = 585.3 nm, Ar-NF₃ at λ = 750.4 nm under pumping by a self-sustained discharge are presented. Under laser action at λ = 585.3 nm in Ne-NF₃ mixture more than tenfold exceed in radiation power has been achieved as compared to the known mixture of the Penning plasma laser Ne-H₂ at the same excitation conditions. Under excitation of mixtures inert gas - halide by a self-sustained discharge it was demonstrated that the electronegative gas simultaneously provided the cleaning of the lower laser level and enhanced the pumping efficiency. Based on the spontaneous radiation and laser action measurements of electron concentration and temperature as well as an analysis of process rates in mixtures of helium, neon and argon with NF₃, it is concluded that the population of the upper laser level is carried out due to the processes of electronic excitation.

© 1996 IEEE