Measurements of gain and absorption saturation in an electron-beam-pumped KrF amplifier

A detailed study of energy deposition and the amplification and absorption characteristics of an electron-beam-pumped KrF laser is discussed. In particular, the gain and absorption were measured over the 241-257-nm wavelength range with and without extraction, to investigate saturation effects. Detailed measurements were made of pulsed power characteristics and energy deposition in the laser medium. Peak deposition in the medium is approximately 70 J/l in a 62-ns pulse for a power density of approximately 1.1 MW/cm/sup 3/. Measurements of gain and absorption, using a frequency-doubled tunable dye laser give a small signal net gain of 9.9+or-0.5%/cm, a small-signal absorption coefficient of 1.6+or-0.1%/cm, and a nonsaturable absorption coefficient of 1.1+or-0.4%/cm. These results are compared with other experimental measurements and with the results of numerical modeling.<
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