Gain measurements on the KrF(B→X), XeF(B→X), and XeF(C→A) lasertransitions in an XeF(C→A) laser gas mixture

Optimum energy extraction from an electron-beam-pumped XeF(C →A) laser is achieved with a five-component rare gas halide mixture. The characterization and modeling of laser action in such a gas mixture requires a knowledge of small-signal gain and absorption coefficients not only on the blue-green XeF(C→ A) transition, but also in the ultraviolet (UV) region for the competing XeF(B→X) and KrF(B→X ) transitions. The authors report gain measurements on the XeF(C→A) transition and small-signal gain and absorption coefficients at or near both the XeF(B→X ) (351 and 353 nm) and KrF(B→X) (248 nm) transitions. A study of the gain for the UV and visible transitions as a function of Kr and Xe partial pressure is reported, and its impact on the XeF(C→A) kinetics is discussed