Model of cw argon ion lasers excited by low-energy electron beams

A model of cw argon ion lasers excited by low-energy (50–200 eV) direct current electron beams at current densities between 1 and 50 A/cm2 has been developed. The electron energy distribution in the electron-beam-created plasma is calculated by numerically solving the Boltzmann equation for electrons. Optical gains, powers, and laser efficiences were computed for the 4765-, 4880-, 4965-, and 4658-Å Ar ii transitions for a wide range of discharge conditions. Laser efficiencies comparable to those of a conventional Ar ii laser (∼3×10−4) are predicted for these laser transitions when electron beam excitation is used.