Effect of cathode length on the excitation efficiency of sputtering hollow cathode metal vapour lasers

Margarita Grozeva; Diana Mihailova; Nikola Sabotinov

doi:10.1117/12.618755

22 April 2005 Effect of cathode length on the excitation efficiency of sputtering hollow cathode metal vapour lasers

Margarita Grozeva, Diana Mihailova, Nikola Sabotinov

Proceedings Volume 5830, 13th International School on Quantum Electronics: Laser Physics and Applications; (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.618755
Event: 13th International School on Quantum Electronics: Laser Physics and Applications, 2004, Bourgas, Bulgaria

Abstract

The plasma in the hollow cathode discharge exhibits well-expressed axial inhomogeneity at dimensions typical for laser oscillation, which may affect the operation of the laser. To optimise the cathode dimensions for a sputtering metal vapour laser, we have measured the axial variation of cathode current and emission intensity of a number of He, Ne, Cu and Ar atom and ion lines, at different discharge conditions optimal for laser oscillation in He(He&Ar)-Cu and in Ne-Cu discharges. The observed axial excitation profiles are compared and the length of the cathode segments at which a nearly uniform discharge can be expected in He(He&Ar)-Cu and in Ne-Cu discharge is determined. Based on the results of the experiments we have demonstrated that the most efficient laser oscillation can be achieved when the laser active volume comprises a series of anodes and cathodes, each cathode with a length of ~1÷2 cm for IR and 2÷5 cm for UV laser oscillation.

Citation Download Citation

Margarita Grozeva, Diana Mihailova, and Nikola Sabotinov "Effect of cathode length on the excitation efficiency of sputtering hollow cathode metal vapour lasers", Proc. SPIE 5830, 13th International School on Quantum Electronics: Laser Physics and Applications, (22 April 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.618755

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