Theoretical studies on energy loss processes in a discharge-pumped ArF excimer laser

A kinetic model for a discharge-pumped ArF excimer laser has been developed. The electrical circuit loss, collision loss of electrons and atoms in plasma, and photon absorption loss were calculated. The energy loss process from the electrical input to the laser output is discussed. It was found that 34% of the electrical input is lost in the electrical circuit, 30% of the deposited energy is lost as a elastic collision loss. Since there are large quenching losses and photo absorptions, the laser output energy is several percent of the input energy.