Frequency-energy characteristics of a laser with λ = 398.4 nm on RM-transition of a mercury ion
M.A. Lavrukhin, P.A. Bokhan, P.P. Gugin, D.E. Zakrevsky, G.V. Shevchenko
Rzhanov Institute of Semiconductor Physics of the Siberian Branch of the RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
Keywords: mercury vapor laser, laser radiation, self-terminating laser, nanosecond switch, eptron
Abstract
One of the fundamental directions in the development of lasers based on self-terminating transitions (RM transitions) in metal atoms and ions is their application in brightness amplification systems. Improving such systems requires expanding the operational spectral range and increasing the pulse repetition frequency. A promising approach to addressing these challenges is the use of a new class of high-speed high-frequency switches based on a slit discharge (eptrons) for pumping RM lasers, particularly those operating in the UV range. Within the framework of this approach, this paper studies the frequency-energy characteristics of a mercury ion RM laser (λ = 398.4 nm). The use of a high-speed slit-discharge switch made it possible to generate voltage pulses with a rise time of 2-3 ns across the electrodes of a gas-discharge tube and achieve lasing in a double-pulse mode at repetition frequencies up to 300 kHz.It was determined that the laser pulse energy strongly depends on temperature and repetition frequency, with the optimal frequency decreasing as the temperature increases. Lasing in the form of bursts consisting of four pulses has been demonstrated. The achieved high pulse repetition frequencies of the laser radiation along with its short wavelength can contribute to the creation of unique brightness amplification systems based on the Hg+ RM laser.
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