Improved performance of a double discharge initiated pulsed HF chemical laser

Operation of a pulsed HF chemical laser initiated by electric discharge is reported. Uniform transverse capacitive discharge through high-pressure mixtures of SF6 and H2 is effected by the use of a double discharge. For the mixture SF6, H2, He (250, 20, and 280 Torr, respectively) laser output of more than 1 J per pulse with 4% electrical efficiency from an active volume of 0.06 1 has been achieved. Pulse shapes of the different transitions, spectrum measurements, and SF6 decomposition rate are reported.