Investigation of the evolution of trace impurities from a newly constructed copper vapour laser

We have identified numerous molecular and atomic impurities evolving from the alumina ceramics used in the construction of copper vapour laser (CVL) plasma tubes during the high temperatures associated with typical operating conditions. The majority of these molecular impurities fragments under discharge conditions, with most of the by-products of dissociation contributing to the formation of solid deposits within the plasma tube while hydrogen-bearing molecules produce free H₂ or H which can improve CVL output power. Implications for plasma tube design and processing are discussed.