High-efficiency low-pressure Blumlein nitrogen laser

An 0.8% efficiency, low-pressure Blumlein-type nitrogen laser is described. Its good efficiency is attributed to the optimization of the discharge chamber geometry and to the use of a low-inductance spark gap (<10 nH). The laser provides pulses with energies greater than 5 mJ and pulse widths not exceeding 4 ns. The design is simple in construction and operation. Stable operation is achieved for voltages ranging from 8 to 14 kV, pressures between 70 and 250 torr, and frequencies limited to 20 Hz.<
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