Ion laser utilizing microwave-excited strontium vapor

Lasing due to self-terminating transitions in strontium ions (λ = 1.03 and 1.09 μ) excited by microwave pulses was observed for the first time. The necessary pressure of a strontium vapor was achieved by heating with a dc discharge in a quartz tube. The duration of the microwave pulses was 0.35 μsec and their power was 20–40 kW. A comparison was made with a traditional RC discharge and advantages of the use of microwave excitation in the case of pulsed gas lasers were identified.