High-power narrow-band operation and Raman frequency conversion of an electron-beam pumped krypton excimer laser

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Abstract
A Kr excimer laser pumped by a relativistic electron beam has generated high-power output by using a cavity composed of a Si mirror and M/sub g/F/sub 2/ mirror. The threshold gas pressure for laser oscillation is 10 atm, and the maximum output power achieved so far is 6.6 MW at 15 atm. The maximum power is limited by the surface damages on the mirrors. This laser output, oscillating at 145.7 nm, has a spectral width of 0.8 nm (FWHM). Efficient spectral narrowing down to 0.1 nm has been achieved with a 32 degrees apex angle MgF/sub 2/ prism inserted in the cavity giving 3.5 MW peak power at 15 atm of Kr gas pressure. Wavelength conversion by stimulated Raman scattering in high-pressure H/sub 2/ has been demonstrated for efficient extension of the laser wavelength.