Multi-kilojoule HF laser using intense-electron-beam initiation of H2–F2 mixtures

We report here the results of an HF-laser experiment in which an intense electron beam is used to initiate high-pressure room-temperature H2/F2 mixtures. The maximum laser energy was 2.3 kJ in a 35-nsec (FWHM) pulse with a mixture of 360-Torr F2, 140-Torr O2, 100-Torr SF6, and 100-Torr H2. Electrical efficiency for the laser was as high as 200%. The maximum chemical efficiency was 5.2%.