On the effect of the addition of SF6to a N2electrical discharge laser

The electron distribution function has been calculated for simulated conditions of SF
₆
-N
₂
gas mixtures under conditions typical of a N
₂
electrical discharge laser. The results indicate that the electron distribution function, transport quantities, and electronic excitation rates change only a few percent in the presence of SF
₆
provided E/N is unchanged. The enhancement in laser power output with the addition of SF
₆
is attributed to an increased operating value of E/N in the electrical discharge.