Optical inhomogeneities in a bleaching wave in the active medium of a photochemical Kr2F laser

An interferometric study was made of the active medium of a photochemical Kr₂F laser operating in the bleaching wave regime. It was found that a discontinuity of the refractive index appeared in the lasing zone because of photochemical reactions occurring under the influence of the pump radiation. The method of compensation for the optical losses is suggested.