Temperature-dependent absorption processes in the XeF laser

Temperature-dependent absorption processes in neon/xenon/NF3 mixtures are reported. In pure neon plasmas there are two types of absorption present; a broad but weak band of absorption is observed, which increases with increasing temperature, and a strong narrow band of absorption is observed around 351 nm. Moderate heating reduces this absorption. Improved performance of the XeF laser at elevated temperature is primarily due to reduced absorption in the laser medium at 351 nm.