Efficiency of a nitrogen UV laser pumped by a self-sustained discharge

The features of excitation of a nitrogen laser emitting at the second positive system of nitrogen (the C3Πα—B3Πg electronic bands at 337.1 nm) are investigated. The results of the papers, which reported the highest UV lasing efficiencies upon pumping by a self-sustained discharge, are analysed and recommendations are given for achieving the high efficiency of a nitrogen laser. The output characteristics of lasers with a pump on the basis of strip lines and ceramic capacitors are given as functions of the pump parameters and the gas pressure.