RF conditioned dc discharges for excitation of rare gas halide lasers

High power microwave sources for laser discharge switching and preionization are described. It is found that significant preionization using microwaves is possible. Ability to switch the discharge and operate a laser were demonstrated. It is recommended that experiments with the microwaves better concentrated between the electrodes should be performed. The best way to accomplish this appears to be using the side feed geometry; however, a large expansion of the microwaves should occur and then a cylindrical lens should be used to focus the microwaves between the electrodes.