Population inversion in laser-initiated vacuum arcs
Abstract
A detailed study of resonant photo-excitation of CII ions in a vacuum arc discharge by line radiation from laser produced, AlIII ions was completed. Although enhanced fluorescence by up to a factor of eight in CII at 2138 A was observed, the collisional-radiative kinetics are such as to prevent a population inversion from building up under the conditions of the experiments. This unfavorable conclusion prompted the identification of a new class of Be-like, photo-excited lasers with potential laser wave-lengths from 2177 A in CIII down to 230 A in MgIX. Design considerations for such lasers are presented. Initial experiments in CIII pumped by MnVI line radiation have shown fluorescence enhancements in CIII at 2177 A by up to a factor of 150. Optimization of the pump plasma geometry has increased this enhancement to a factor of 500. Gain estimates are given which suggest that a laser can be constructed at 2177 A.
- Publication:
-
Annual Report
- Pub Date:
- January 1985
- Bibcode:
- 1985yale.rept.....K
- Keywords:
-
- Carbon Dioxide Lasers;
- Laser Outputs;
- Laser Pumping;
- Population Inversion;
- Wavelengths;
- X Ray Lasers;
- Arcs;
- Excitation;
- Fluorescence;
- Laser Plasmas;
- Vacuum;
- Wave Propagation;
- X Rays;
- Lasers and Masers