Large-volume longitudinally excited Ca(+) discharge-recombination laser

Area of Science:

• Laser physics
• Atomic physics
• Plasma physics

Background:

• Discharge-recombination lasers offer potential for high-power output.
• Scaling up laser systems is crucial for practical applications.
• Calcium ion (Ca(+)) lasers are of interest for specific wavelength generation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally investigate a longitudinally excited Ca(+) discharge-recombination laser.
• To characterize its performance in terms of energy density and efficiency.
• To explore its potential for high-pulse-rate operation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 1000 cm(3) active volume Ca(+) discharge-recombination laser.
• Operated at low pulse rates (1 Hz) with helium buffer gas up to 400 Torr.
• Conducted preliminary studies at higher pulse rates (500 Hz).

Main Results:

• Achieved single-pulse output energy densities exceeding 4 microJ/cm(3).
• Obtained energy-conversion efficiencies of 0.05% at the lambda373.7-nm transition.
• Demonstrated mean powers greater than 0.5 W at 500 Hz.

Conclusions:

• The investigated Ca(+) laser system demonstrates significant potential for high energy output.
• The system shows promise for efficient operation at both low and high pulse rates.
• Further development could lead to practical applications requiring specific UV laser wavelengths.