Stimulated emission waves excited by ionizing breakdown waves

The influence of the 'runaway' electrons on processes of N2-laser generation is investigated. The propagation of two laser peaks along the discharge tube of coaxial N2 laser is observed. Velocity of the first peak is equal to velocity of breakdown pumping wave (4 x 10 to the 9th cm/s). The first peak propagates from high voltage electrode to the earthed electrode; the second peak propagates in the opposite direction. The delay between the laser peak and the front of breakdown wave is equal to about 10 to the -8th sec and appears to be due to the beam instability.