X-ray preionization of self-sustained, transverse excitation CO2 laser discharges

X rays with a mean energy of ∼50 keV produced by a flash x-ray source have been used to preionize high-pressure CO2 laser mixtures so as to obtain uniform glow discharges. The x-ray exposure measured in the active volume was 1–2 mR/pulse with a pulse duration of 100 nsec (FWHM) which permitted specific energy inputs of up to 300 J/l atm. Glow discharges were obtained for a variety of pressures and gas mixtures including some which were helium-free or in which helium was replaced by argon. Further, a realistic comparison of UV and x-ray schemes was made under sealed-off conditions. X-ray preionization appears to be advantageous and the resulting discharges are shown to tolerate oxygen (up to 2.6%) better. Additives such as xenon or organic compounds were not necessary for obtaining uniform glow discharges.