Superfluorescence in N2 and H2 electron-beam-stabilized discharges

Abstract

Previous N2 and H2 electronic transition lasers have been limited to short pulse durations (10−9–10−7 sec). Using an electron-beam-stabilized discharge in argon, nitrogen (or hydrogen), and hydrogen fluoride mixtures, we have observed repetitive superfluorescent pulses lasting 5–20 μsec. Optical-cavity measurements verify that optical gain is present throughout the pulse duration at wavelengths in the nitrogen first- and second-positive band systems and in a hydrogen near-infrared band system. It is believed that HF serves to maintain a population inversion for a longer period of time by providing preferential collisional deactivation of the lower laser levels.