High power argon laser in a longitudinal magnetic field

An experimental investigation was made of the output characteristics of an Ar⁺ laser and of the parameters of a 16-mm diameter high-current discharge in an external magnetic field. The main physical reasons for the increase in the laser output power and efficiency were established. When the laser output power reached saturation with rising discharge current, the output power and efficiency increased by 10–15% and 20–25%, respectively, due to a longitudinal redistribution of the gas in the discharge when the field was applied.