Use of high-power microwave pumping for plasma lasers

An experimental investigation was made of an Ar–N₂ laser (p ≤ 1 atm) excited by a high-current proton beam, by a low-inductance transverse electric discharge, and by a nanosecond microwave discharge. A comparison of the dependences of the intensity and duration of lasing in the three cases showed that the thermodynamic states of the beam and microwave discharge plasmas were similar. The maximum energy of the electrons in the microwave discharge was estimated. The advantages of using a microwave discharge to pump plasma lasers were assessed.