Optimization of excitation channels in the discharge-excited Sr+ recombination laser

We report efficient operation of a longitudinal discharge-excited Sr+ recombination laser operating at λ=430.5 nm in a ‘‘long pulse’’ (∼1 μs full width at half-maximum) mode which utilizes Sr++ ions produced in the afterglow by heavy body processes. Optimum operating conditions have been established and compared with those for the ‘‘short pulse’’ (∼200 ns full width at half-maximum) mode of operation observed previously. Single pulse energies at 180 and 250 μJ have been obtained in the short and long pulse modes respectively corresponding to extraction energy densities of 6 and 8 μJ/cm3.