Time-resolved electron density measurements in rare-gas-halide laser discharges

Abstract

Time-resolved spectroscopic measurements are described of the evolution of electron density and other parameters in a UV-preionised XeCl laser discharge. Measurements of electron density by line-broadening techniques indicate the existence of a transition in the nature of the discharge from glow-like to arc-like. Independent measurements of intensities of ionic spectral lines support the existence of a phase of constriction during a period of falling global electron density.