A 170 J electron beam pumped XeF(C{r_arrow}A) laser

Journal Article · Wed Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1995 · IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/3.364412· OSTI ID:32007

Litzenberger, L N; Smith, M J ^[1]

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1. Textron Defense Systems, Everett, MA (United States)

A pulse output energy of 170 J has been achieved from an XeF (C{r_arrow}A) laser system, pumped by a pair of counterpropagating, three-meter-long electron beams. This represents a record for all types of pumping, for this excimer system. Energy was extracted from a volume of {approximately}100 L, using a free-running stable oscillator. No evidence of laser oscillations on the competing XeF(B{r_arrow}X) transition was observed. Within the extraction volume the laser gas was pumped at a rate of 140 kW/cm{sup 3} (time average value), for a period of 1.7 {mu}s. The optical cavity was folded, giving a gain length of 6 m. The optical pulse duration was 0.8 {mu}s (full width at half maximum), and the observed flux buildup time of {approximately}1 {mu}s was consistent with modeling and a measurement of the net gain. The specific output energy was 1.7 J/L which is comparable to that achieved in previous, small scale experiments at somewhat higher pump rate. The results confirm the volumetric scalability of the electron beam pumped XeF(C{r_arrow}A) laser system to high output energy per pulse, and the feasibility of operating this system at a low electron beam pump rate which relaxes constraints on the design of the electron gun and pulse power subsystems in a high output energy device. Means for extending the laser pulse duration and increasing the output energy of the specific test device are discussed. An output energy of {approximately}1,000 J is projected for an optimized gas cell width, for full size resonator mirrors, and with injection.

• OSTI ID: 32007
• Journal Information: IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics, Journal Name: IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 31; ISSN 0018-9197; ISSN IEJQA7
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES
ELECTRON BEAM PUMPING
EMISSION SPECTRA
EXCIMER LASERS
LASER RADIATION
PERFORMANCE
XENON FLUORIDES