Pulse-periodic iodine photodissociation laser with a high output energy

A description is given of a pulse-periodic iodine laser pumped by high-power nonmagnetic plasma-dynamic flashlamps and incorporating a thermal closed circulation system for the active medium (n-C₄F₉I–C₆F₁₄ mixture) based on a condensation–evaporation cycle. An investigation was made of the energy balance and the output characteristics of the laser under single-pulse and pulse-periodic conditions at a repetition frequency of 17–50 mHz. The laser output energy was ~ 0.5 kJ, the pulse duration was 35–40 μs, the angular divergence was ~ 0.56 mrad, and the efficiency in terms of the electrical energy deposited in the pumping system was ~ 1 %. Stimulated emission during the complete laser pulse was achieved at the frequency of the unperturbed F' = 3 →F = 4 electronic transition in the hyperfine structure of the iodine atom.