Accession Number:

ADA056030

Title:

Research in Laser Processes

Descriptive Note:

Semi-annual rept. 1 Feb-31 Jul 1977

Corporate Author:

JOINT INST FOR LAB ASTROPHYSICS BOULDER CO

Personal Author(s):

• Phelps, A. V.
• Gallagher, A. C.

Report Date:

1978-04-21

Pagination or Media Count:

27.0

Abstract:

Measurements have been made of the electrical and optical properties of electrical discharges in Na-Xe mixtures at high pressures. Although the discharges show desirable features such as a positive volt-ampere characteristics, the excited state densities are too low for useful gain. Since this does not appear to be the case in Tl-Xe, experiments and modeling directed toward an explanation were initiated. Scaling laws for the cathode fall region of discharges in helium have been used to extend low pressure experimental results to high pressures. Measurements are being made of electron excitation rate coefficients for the A 3 Sigma sub u state of N2 in the range of mean energies of laser interest. Predictions have been made of large decreases in optical pumping efficiency at the center of the resonance lines of metal vapors and experiments are underway to test the theory.

Descriptors:

• *ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
• *LASER PUMPING
• ELECTRONIC STATES
• EXCITATION
• HIGH PRESSURE
• METAL VAPORS
• RARE GASES
• RESONANCE
• SODIUM
• TRANSPORT PROPERTIES

Subject Categories:

• Lasers and Masers

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE