Multidimensional modeling of transverse avalanche laser discharges: Applications to the HgBr laser
- 1 April 1985
- journal article
- Published by AIP Publishing in Journal of Applied Physics
- Vol. 57 (7) , 2406-2423
- https://doi.org/10.1063/1.334349
Abstract
Geometrical considerations are important with respect to the stability and efficiency of avalanche electric discharge lasers. Parameters such as the electrode contours and the distribution of preionization electrons affect excitation rates through the relative values of the local electric field, local depletion of initial species, and through the response of the discharge circuitry to spatially dependent conditions within the plasma. Constriction of the discharge and subsequent impedance mismatch of the discharge to the pulse forming line result from these spatial nonuniformities. In this paper geometrical effects in the mercury bromide electric discharge laser are examined by comparing the results from a multidimensional discharge and kinetics model with experimental observations. The code models electron and heavy particle kinetics and laser intensity in time and one spatial dimension: parallel to the electrodes and perpendicular to the optical axis. Quantities whose spatial dependence is perpendicular to this dimension, such as the contours of the electrodes, are accounted for through their impact on the local electric field. HgBr laser efficiency and spatial characteristics are examined as a function of stored electrical energy, the impedance of the pulse-forming circuitry, electrode contours, and profile of the preionization electron density. Parasitic discharges within the gas, but exterior to the optical cavity, are examined as a mechanism through which the magnitude of the preionization density can effect laser efficiency.This publication has 33 references indexed in Scilit:
- Kinetic processes in the HgBr(B→X)/HgBr2 dissociation laserJournal of Applied Physics, 1982
- Low energy electron collision phenomena in HgBr2The Journal of Chemical Physics, 1982
- Efficient HgBr (B→X) laser oscillation in electron-beam-controlled-discharge-excited Xe/HgBr2 mixturesApplied Physics Letters, 1980
- Oscillator and oscillator-amplifier experiments with an HgBr2/HgBr dissociation laserApplied Physics Letters, 1980
- Kinetic processes in the electrically excited mercuric-bromide dissociation laserApplied Physics Letters, 1980
- Discharge pumped mercuric halide dissociation lasersApplied Physics Letters, 1978
- Mercuric bromide dissociation laser in an electric dischargeOptics Letters, 1978
- Sustained discharge excitation of HgCl and HgBr B2Σ+1/2→X2Σ+1/2 lasersApplied Physics Letters, 1978
- Mercuric bromide photodissociation laserApplied Physics Letters, 1977
- Laser action on the B2Σ+1/2→X2Σ+1/2 band of HgBr at 5018 ÅApplied Physics Letters, 1977