Discharge pumped VUV rare-gas excimer laser

We have demonstrated the laser oscillation of Kr/sub 2/* by self-sustained discharge. excitation. This demonstration of the VUV laser oscillation is mainly attributed to the success of the self-sustained glow discharge of high pressure Kr. The maximum output energy at 148 nm was as large as 210 /spl mu/J with a pulse width of 250 ns (FWHM). The maximum gain coefficient was 3.5% cm/sup -1/. The discharge pumped VUV Kr/sub 2/* excimer laser will open up various application fields where such a compact short wavelength laser is in demand.