On pulse duration of self-terminating lasers
- A.V. Rzhanov Institute of Semiconductor Physics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk (Russian Federation)
The problem of the maximum pulse duration {tau}{sub max} of self-terminating lasers is considered. It is shown that the duration depends on the transition probability in the laser channel, on the decay rate of the resonant state in all other channels, and on the excitation rate of the metastable state. As a result, {tau}{sub max} is found to be significantly shorter than previously estimated. The criteria for converting the 'self-terminating' lasing to quasi-cw lasing are determined. It is shown that in the case of nonselective depopulation of the metastable state, for example in capillary lasers or in a fast flow of the active medium gas, it is impossible to obtain continuous lasing. Some concrete examples are considered. It is established that in several studies of barium vapour lasers ({lambda} = 1.5 {mu}m) and nitrogen lasers ({lambda} = 337 nm), collisional lasing is obtained by increasing the relaxation rate of the metastable state in collisions with working particles (barium atoms and nitrogen molecules). (lasers)
- OSTI ID:
- 21541771
- Journal Information:
- Quantum Electronics (Woodbury, N.Y.), Vol. 41, Issue 2; Other Information: DOI: 10.1070/QE2011v041n02ABEH014355; ISSN 1063-7818
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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