Role of the pulse repetition frequency in copper vapor lasers

A study was made of the influence of the pulse repetition frequency on the characteristics of lasing and of the electrical excitation pulses in a pulsed copper vapor laser. The work was performed at a constant voltage on the discharge capacitor while varying the pulse repetition frequency from 6 to 20 kHz in a 20-mm diameter discharge tube having a 70-cm long heated section. An analysis of these experimental and published data was used to discuss possible mechanisms limiting the pulse repetition frequency in these lasers.