Sealed nitrogen laser with 10 kHz pulse repetition frequency

The design and properties of a molecular nitrogen laser (λ = 337.1 nm) are described. Stimulated emission at a pulse repetition frequency of 10 kHz was achieved for the first time in a sealed laser. The pulse power was 310 W and the pulse duration at midamplitude was 4 nsec. The laser was able to operate at these high repetition frequencies as a result of deposition of a CuO layer on the internal surface of the discharge tube: this layer ensured a fast relaxation of the nitrogen plasma energy after each pump pulse.