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Population inversion in laser-initiated vacuum arcs. Annual report, 1 February 1984-31 January 1985

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5604398
A detailed study of resonant photo-excitation of CII ions in a vacuum arc discharge by line radiation from laser-produced, AlIII ions was completed. Although enhanced fluorescence by up to a factor of eight in CII at 2138 A was observed, the collisional-radiative kinetics are such as to prevent a population inversion from building up under the conditions of the experiments. This unfavorable conclusion prompted the identification of a new class of Be-like, photo-excited lasers with potential laser wave-lengths from 2177 A in CIII down to 230 A in MgIX. Design considerations for such lasers are presented. Initial experiments in CIII pumped by MnVI line radiation have shown fluorescence enhancements in CIII at 2177 A by up to a factor of 150. Optimization of the pump plasma geometry has increased this enhancement to a factor of 500. Gain estimates are given which suggest that a laser can be constructed at 2177 A.
Research Organization:
Yale Univ., New Haven, CT (USA)
OSTI ID:
5604398
Report Number(s):
AD-A-151958/6/XAB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English