Optimization of Efficiency of a Discharge-Excited XeCl Laser

摘要

This work supports the Navy's strategic blue-green laser communication program. The specific goal is to raise the efficiency of an electric-discharge-excited XeC1 laser to 3% or better. Efficient XeC1 lasers are prime candidates for a satellite-borne laser transmitter. During the first four months of this contract, the design, construction and assembly of a versatile XeC1 laser test bed was completed. Initial checkout and performance tests are in progress. Without optimization of the pulse-forming-network, optical cavity and gas mixture, the laser has produced optical pulses with energies in excess of 1 joule with efficiencies over 1%. Prospects for raising these characteristics to 2 joules and 3% with proper optimization and injection locking are very good.