Free-running XeF(<i>C</i>-<i>A</i>) lasing at 2.2 atm in a commercial discharge excimer laser

Abstract

Efficient free-running lasing on the XeF(C-A) electronic transition has been demonstrated in an unmodified commercial discharge excited excimer laser at a reduced buffer gas pressure of 2.2 atm and a moderate low pump rate of 2.76 MW/cm3, using a four-component gas mixture of Xe, NF3, Kr, and He with a net peak gain of 1.24%/cm. The laser spectrum showed a peak wavelength at 477 nm and a bandwidth of 32 nm (FWHM). The laser output energy was 1.17 mJ, representing peak power, energy density, and intrinsic efficiency values of 0.062 MW, 9 mJ/ℓ, and 0.016%, respectively.