Space–time characteristics of a SPER laser utilizing transitions in Cd, Zn, and In atoms

An experimental investigation was made of the space–time characteristics of lasers utilizing atomic transitions with a segmented plasma source of Cd, Zn, and In metal vapor. It is noted that elongation of the pump pulse trailing edge increased the output energy. Various effects were observed, confirming the recombination mechanism for pumping in an SPER (segmented plasma excitation and recombination) laser utilizing atomic transitions. These included a shift of the lasing range during cooling of the plasma, an increase in the time delay and a shift of the lasing range when the input energy was varied, and quenching of the lasing as a result of additional heating. The feasibility of pulse-periodic operation of an SPER laser was examined. It was established that the limiting pulse repetition frequency may reach 10 kHz.