Effect of preionisation border on development of inhomogeneities in electrical discharge pumped XeCl laser

摘要

Effect of the border of preionisation on discharge uniformity and quality of laser radiation is studied theoretically in the framework of 2D model of discharge pumped XeCl laser. Calculations show that near the border between preionised and unpreionised regions a local enhancement of the electric field occurs. This phenomenon is induced by a divergence of the X-ray beam. The local enhancement of the electric field promotes formation of cathode spots and, finally, leads to formation of discharge inhomogeneities. A decrease of sharpness of the border of preionization region reduces the local enhancement of electric field and improves characteristics of the laser radiation.