Accession Number:

AD0745247

Title:

Discharge and Lasing Characteristics of a CW Argon Ion Laser at High Current,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

CALIFORNIA UNIV SAN DIEGO LA JOLLA

Personal Author(s):

• Wang,C. P.
• Lin,Shao-Chi

Report Date:

1972-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

8.0

Abstract:

Argon ion laser experiments have been performed in a large bore, segmented metal plasma tube. The tube is capable of maintaining a steady state discharge current up to 500 amperes in low pressure argon without excessive contamination. The experimental results on the discharge and lasing characteristics agree with recent theory. So far the maximum visible laser output at high discharge current is not yet limited by resonance radiation trapping or other saturation effects, but rather by a low inversion-utilization efficiency. A major cause of such low utilization efficiency is presently attributable to a severe optical degradation of the dielectric cavity mirrors when the internal radiation flux density exceeds a certain limit i.e., a few kilowattsq cm. Author

Descriptors:

• (*GAS LASERS
• GAS DISCHARGES)
• DISCHARGE TUBES
• MIRRORS
• POWER

Subject Categories:

• Lasers and Masers

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE