Changes in the characteristics of an electric-discharge XeF laser on increase in pressure

An investigation was made of the energy and spectral characteristics of an XeF laser operating in a wide range of gas-mixture pressures and compositions. Two different power supply systems were used. The energy and spectral characteristics of a laser could be controlled by altering the pressure in the gas mixture. In particular, broadening of the stimulated emission lines and a redistribution of the relative intensities in a system of stimulated emission bands were observed when the pressure was increased. An output energy of ~0.3 J was obtained from an active volume of ~200 cm³.