Electron-beam sustained mercuric bromide laser study

Results are reported of an investigation of fundamental kinetic processes influencing discharge and laser properties typical of the 502 NM HgBr (B to X)/HgBr2 dissociation laser. Specific attention is focused on conditions representative of electron-beam controlled discharges. Experimental results and corresponding analysis and interpretation are presented for several laser mixtures, focusing particularly on the factors affecting discharge characteristics and HgBr(B) formation. A set of electron-HgBr2 cross sections inferred on the basis of analysis of experimental observations is presented, along with a discussion of the effect of electron-electron collisions on medium properties at the level of fractional ionization typical of the HgBr(B)/HgBr2 laser.