The role of excited atoms in UV photopreionization TEA lasers

A simple model of photoionization of excited atoms by UV photons from capacitor spark discharges is suggested to explain the improvement in both plasma density production and laser efficiency noticed by several investigators when the proportion of helium in high-pressure CO
2
laser mixtures is increased. Such improvements with increased He proportion take place both with and without seeding with low ionization potential dopants. The model is also applicable to explaining the arc suppression qualities of helium as well as the ability to ignite discharges at higher total pressures when the proportion of helium is increased. Several implications regarding future TEA laser work are suggested.