Characteristics of a high-power nitrogen laser

An output power of 1.4 MW and an energy of 0.01 J per pulse were achieved for a nitrogen laser emitting at λ = 337.1 nm. The maximum repetition frequency was 20 Hz. The output power and the current through the laser chamber were determined as a function of N₂ and Ne pressures and of the pressures in mixtures of N₂ with Ne and He. The output power was found to be distributed inhomogeneously over the cross section of the output beam.