Influence of the buffer gas pressure on the energy characteristics of a lead vapor laser

Energy characteristics of a lead vapor laser are investigated in wide ranges of helium buffer gas pressure variations (from 35 to 150 torr). It is demonstrated that a 4-fold increase in the buffer gas pressure results in a 25% decrease of the specific energy output. The conclusion is made about the possibility of developing a Pb laser with active element lifetime exceeding 1000 hours.