Use of a surface discharge for preionization of gases in discharge lasers

The results are reported of a comparative study of ultraviolet spectra emitted from preionization sources designed for gas-discharge lasers. A comparison is made of the emission spectra of a complete surface (guided) discharge, a free spark, and a spark in the presence of an insulator in the discharge region. It is shown that the radiation energy can be concentrated in the required wavelength range by exciting the emission lines of the insulator. The strongest concentration effect is observed for a surface discharge on insulating substrates containing silicon.