Proceedings of the IEEE · 1971 · 32 citations · 0 references
Natural SciencesElectrical EngineeringPhysicsOpticsPhotonicsPlasma PhysicsLaser OpticsLaser PhysicsLaser SpectroscopyLaser-plasma InteractionsUltraviolet SpectroscopyDischarge Channel PhysicsGas LasersLaser ThresholdPeak Power OperationVacuum TechnologyVacuum Ultraviolet Spectroscopy
A unique gas laser system suitable for achieving more than a 100-kW peak power in the vacuum ultraviolet spectral region near 1600 Å is described. First, the theory of the molecular hydrogen laser is presented. The novel operation of the device to generate a fast-rising current pulse which travels down the discharge channel at the velocity of light is described. Finally, the experimental verification of lasing and further characteristics of the device are given.