High power uv noble‐gas‐halide laserf

Using an axial electron‐beam excitation scheme to excite mixture of argon, krypton, and fluorine, 108 J of laser energy, corresponding to a peak power of 1.9×109 W, was obtained from KrF at 2484 A. In addition, ArF was observed to lase at 1933 A with a maximum energy output of 92 J, corresponding to a power of 1.7×109 W. The maximum energy for KrF was obtained with total gas pressures of 1400 Torr using 4 Torr of fluorine and partial pressures of krypton greater than 100 Torr. When the partial pressure of krypton was less than 100 Torr both ArF and KrF were observed to laser simultaneously.