Novel self-switched high-repetition-rate HF(DF) laser

Michael R. Harris; David J. Jackson; Philip K. Milsom

doi:10.1117/12.308080

12 May 1998 Novel self-switched high-repetition-rate HF(DF) laser

Michael R. Harris, David J. Jackson, Philip K. Milsom

Proceedings Volume 3268, Gas and Chemical Lasers and Intense Beam Applications; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.308080
Event: Optoelectronics and High-Power Lasers and Applications, 1998, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

We present results obtained from a new class of self- switching, high repetition rate, HF (DF) laser. The laser utilizes a magnetically stabilized longitudinal discharge, transverse to a high velocity gas flow. The gas mixture is pre-mixed, and consists of He, SF₆ and H₂(D₂) in the ratio 1000:9:2 at a total pressure of around 52 torr. A centrifugal fan recirculates the gas and provides a linear flow velocity of 80 ms^-1 in the gain region. Permanent magnets provide the stabilizing magnetic field of approximately 1400 Gauss. This magnetic field ensures that the discharge and optic axes are co-linear. The discharge length is 30 cm, and the gas flow channel 0.5 cm in height. Conventional stable resonators were used to extract the laser energy. We show that the self-switching behavior is a result of the negative I-V characteristic in the positive column of a constricted SF₆ discharge, coupled with the current limitations imposed by the external electrical circuit. It is found that the switching frequency, and therefore lasing repetition rate, can be controlled via either the applied discharge current or the RC time constant for the external circuit. Higher discharge currents and shorter time constants both result in higher pulse repetition frequencies. We have demonstrated self-switched lasing at repetition rates from 400 Hz up to 17 kHz.

Citation Download Citation

Michael R. Harris, David J. Jackson, and Philip K. Milsom "Novel self-switched high-repetition-rate HF(DF) laser", Proc. SPIE 3268, Gas and Chemical Lasers and Intense Beam Applications, (12 May 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.308080

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