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Optics and AcousticsLasers and Masers

Fast Plasma Mixing: A New Excitation Method for CW Lasers

Authors: Gerhard Schaefer; H. Kirkici; POLYTECHNIC UNIV FARMINGDALE NY WEBER RESEARCH INST
Abstract:
Resonant and near resonant energy and charge transfer collisions to molecules are effective mechanisms to generate population inversions in gas lasers. A new technique (fast plasma mixing) has been developed in which metastables and ions are generated separately in a flowing plasma source and then mixed with a molecular beam. Two CW systems, based on a flowing hollow cathode and a constricted arc have been designed. Experiments with several molecular systems have demonstrated selective excitation of atoms, molecules, molecular ions, and excimers. Spectroscopic investigations allowed determining branching ratios and the geometric distribution of the excitation in the mixing volume. CW laser action was achieved in oxygen and fluorine and experiments were performed to clarify the excitation mechanisms. First experiments on ArF and KrF excimer generation were performed and the fluorescence profiles were investigated depending on operating parameters. (rrh)

Limitations: APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
Description: Final rept. 1 May 86-31 Oct 89
Pages: 64
Report Date: 15 MAR 90
Contract Number: DAAG03-86-K-0051
Report Number: A092022
Keywords relating to this report:
*CONTINUOUS WAVE LASERS
CHARGE TRANSFER
CHEMICAL WARFARE
COLLISIONS
DISTRIBUTION
ENERGY
EXCIMERS
EXCITATION
FLUORESCENCE
FLUORINE
GAS LASERS
GEOMETRY
INVERSION
IONS
MIXING
MOLECULAR BEAMS
MOLECULAR IONS
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
MOLECULES
OXYGEN
PLASMAS_PHYSICS_
POPULATION
PROFILES
RESONANCE
SPECTROSCOPY
VOLUME
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