High-power nonchain HF (DF) lasers initiated by self-sustained volume discharge

Abstract

Initiation mechanisms of self-sustained volume discharge (SSVD) are analyzed in mixtures of SF<SUB>6</SUB> with hydro-carbons (deuterocarbons). The possibility is shown to obtain SSVD in a large volume of SF<SUB>6</SUB> and hydrocarbon (deuterocarbon) mixtures without preionization in the discharge gaps possessing high edge nonuniformity of electric field. The scaling characteristics of nonchain HF (DF) laser are investigated. The highest generation energy has been achieved, namely, 397 J for HF laser and 312 J for DF laser at the electric efficiency 3.8% and 3%, respectively.