Temporal evolution of the xenon laser pulse

An experimental investigation was made of the xenon excimer laser. Several laser cavities have been employed with excitation by electron beams of cross section (15×2) cm² and (55×4) cm² and current density 100–150 A cm^-2 injected transverse to the cavity axis. A numerical model of the xenon laser is compared with experimental results. The laser pulse width was found to be dependent on laser intensity and cavity mirrors. Early termination of the laser pulse was observed consistent with changing reflectivity of the cavity mirrors. An uncoated MgF₂ retroreflector produced a laser output of significantly longer pulse width. Quasi-cw laser action was observed.