Parametric study of the 357.7-nm oscillation in a TE (transversely excited) N2 laser

New experimental results on the factors affecting the 357.7-nm oscillation in a Blumlein-driven N2 laser are presented and compared with the theoretical considerations. The laser output at 357.7 nm is enhanced not only by adding a foreign gas but also by reducing the amount of preionization, decreasing the repetition rate of discharge, and lowering the inductance of the discharge circuit. On the basis of the assumption that these actions serve to shorten the rise time of discharge current in their common function, such experimental results are explained fairly well.