High pressure glow discharges for nanosecond excitation of gas lasers and low inductance switching applications

Abstract

The authors describe a novel method of producing uniform high pressure glow discharges suitable for nanosecond excitation of gas lasers and for low inductance, high voltage switching applications. The principle has been adapted to a variety of different gases with established and potential laser applications and is particularly well suited to the stabilization of transverse discharges. Stabilization can be effected over a wide range of overvoltages for different gas pressures and electrode separations.