Spectra of electron-beam pumped XeF lasers.

Area of Science:

• Physical Chemistry
• Laser Physics
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• The XeF(B-X) transition is a significant source of UV laser emission.
• Understanding the spectral complexities of this transition is crucial for laser performance.
• Previous studies have noted spectral inhomogeneities but lacked detailed explanations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the rovibronic XeF(B-X) lasing spectrum from an electron-beam pumped laser.
• To investigate the spin-split rotational and vibrational structure in the 351- and 353-nm emission.
• To elucidate the underlying physical processes causing spectral inhomogeneities.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the lasing spectrum of the XeF(B-X) transition.
• Investigation of spin-split rotational and vibrational structures.
• Development of theoretical explanations based on energy transfer and relaxation mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Detailed analysis of the intricate spin-split rotational and vibrational structure in the 351- and 353-nm emission.
• Identification of key processes including near-resonant vibration-rotation energy transfer, differing rotational relaxation rates in B and X states, and rapid dissociation near the ground state dissociation limit.
• Observation of relatively slow collisional spin relaxation and optical coupling of spin states contributing to spectral features.

Conclusions:

• The observed spectral inhomogeneities in XeF(B-X) lasing are explained by a combination of energy transfer, state-specific relaxation rates, dissociation, and spin dynamics.
• The findings provide insight into the fundamental processes governing the XeF laser.
• Implications for achieving narrowband extraction in the 351- and 353-nm bands are discussed, with rotational relaxation rates for XeF X and B states estimated.