Abstract

In this review, a possibility of efficient quasi-stationary excitation regime is shown basing on experimental data obtained by the author and by other research groups. This regime is provide by multi-circuit excitation schemes with different UV sources and results in long optical pulses [1,2]. The self-sustained discharge is necessary to obtain this regime depending from buffer gas, discharge current density, duration of UV-pulse and resonator. Multi-circuit excitation circuits with automatic stabilized preionization sources and back up. For instance, in Ne-based mixtures three-circuit scheme provided "multi-pulse" regime for XeCl-laser. It was shown that both fast and quasi-stationary excitation regime can be observed by connection of preionization source to the primary of secondary circuit. However, the duration of discharge in the case of quasi-stationary excitation regime is determined by duration of UV-preionization pulse. General requirement for laser operation with different pumping circuits and UV-sources are formulated and physical model of processes involved in discharge kinetics in the quasi-stationary regime of excitation and lasing is proposed.

© 1998 IEEE