CW X-RAY PREIONIZED PULSED GAS LASERS

Abstract
We have successfully demonstrated that the cw x-ray generator can work as a preionization source for a pulsed HF laser. The preionization effect of cw x radiation was revealed by a comparative study of with and without applying x-ray photons to the HF laser. Since dose rate of the cw x-ray generator is easily controllable, the laser output could be measured as a function of initial electron number density produced. The cw x-ray preionizer has many advantages for actual gas laser systems compared with other preionizers. There are attributable to its high-energy photons and its characteristics of the cw x-ray generator. Applicability of the cw x-ray preionizer for actual laser systems, especially for high-repetition-rate pulsed laser systems is discussed.