Research in laser processes

Calculations have been initiated to determine the threshold conditions and speed for propagation of the previously modeled constricted (arc-like) discharges which often terminate high power, electrical discharge lasers. A 'complete' set of electron collision cross sections for CO has been assembled and tested against the meager electron transport data. Measurements of the Tl-Xe fluorescence in the vicinity of the 377.6 and 535 nm lines have been used to calculate the expected gain and absorption of this promising excimer laser candidate. Measurements of integrated absorption, forward scattering and backward scattering of radiation near the resonance lines have been made over a wide range of sodium densities and quenching rate coefficients.